# The Prevalence of Diagnosed Hypertension and Its Determinants in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

## TL;DR

This study found a 9.5% prevalence of hypertension in Zakho, Iraq, with age and hyperlipidemia as key risk factors.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into hypertension risk factors specific to Zakho City in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

## Key findings

- The prevalence of hypertension was 9.5% among 537 participants in Zakho.
- Hyperlipidemia and increasing age were the strongest predictors of hypertension.
- Non-smoking was associated with a lower likelihood of hypertension.

## Abstract

Introduction and aims: Hypertension (HTN) is a chronic and common condition that causes health issues, such as stroke and heart failure, causing substantial disease burden and mortality. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of HTN and determine its risk factors in Zakho, Iraq.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study occurred between 15 January 2024 and 18 March 2024. A multi-stage sampling method was utilized, with interviewers administering questionnaires to random households selected by a number generator.

Results: A total of 537 participants were included, comprising 64.2% (n = 345) males and 35.8% (n = 192) females, with an average age of 35.75 (±13.89). The study showed that the prevalence of HTN was 9.5% (n = 51). A univariate analysis revealed that increasing age (p < 0.001), high waist circumference (p < 0.001), no education (p < 0.001), marriage (p = 0.001), unemployment (p = 0.04), non-smoking (p = 0.03), hyperlipidemia (p < 0.001), and ischemic heart disease (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with HTN. The multivariate logistic regression revealed that hyperlipidemia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.729; 95% CI: 1.762-7.891), age (aOR = 1.056; 95% CI: 1.030-1.083), and non-smoking (aOR = 0.333; 95% CI: 0.142-0.781) were significant predictors of HTN, with p-values of 0.001, <0.001, and 0.011, respectively.

Conclusions: A high prevalence of HTN was found among those having multiple comorbidities and was significantly associated with age and hyperlipidemia. Public awareness campaigns, targeted intervention for high-risk groups, and healthier lifestyles are crucial to combat HTN.