# Regional differences in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Poland - comparison of two national multi-center health surveys: WOBASZ and WOBASZ II

## TL;DR

This study compares hypertension rates and management across regions in Poland over ten years, showing significant regional differences and the need for targeted public health efforts.

## Contribution

The study provides updated regional data on hypertension prevalence and management in Poland, highlighting changes over a decade.

## Key findings

- Hypertension prevalence increased most in men from Świętokrzyskie and women from Łódzkie Voivodeships.
- Awareness and treatment rates improved in several regions, with the highest increases in Wielkopolskie and Opolskie Voivodeships.
- Hypertension control improved notably in Wielkopolskie and Lubuskie Voivodeships for men and women respectively.

## Abstract

Data on regional differences in the current prevalence of hypertension in Poland remain limited.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among Polish adults in 2013–2014 (WOBASZ II study) and to compare these parameters with data from 2003–2005 (WOBASZ study).

The study was conducted in two independent, representative samples. The WOBASZ II study included 3,406 women and 2,757 men, while the WOBASZ study examined 7,783 women and 6,972 men.

The greatest increase in hypertension prevalence over 10 years was observed among men from Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship (39.7% vs. 51.8%) and women from Łódzkie Voivodeship (32.7% vs. 44%). Increases in hypertension awareness were noted in men from Wielkopolskie Voivodeship (50.8% vs. 59.5%) and women from Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship (65.7% vs. 77%). Treatment rates rose in men from Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship (16.8% vs. 40.3%) and women from Opolskie Voivodeship (24.7% vs. 44.4%). Improvements in hypertension control were seen in men from Wielkopolskie Voivodeship (3.5% vs. 13.3%) and women from Lubuskie Voivodeship (5.6% vs. 27.4%).

Pronounced differences were observed in the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of arterial hypertension among voivodeships, highlighting the necessity of region-specific public health interventions and resource allocation to effectively manage hypertension. Additionally, changes observed over the decade from 2003/04–2013/14 highlight evolving epidemiological trends and demonstrate the impact of such interventions on hypertension management.