Risk factors for hypertension among the adult Moroccan population

• Published in: Eastern Mediterranean health journal Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 827 - 841
• Main Authors: Tazi, M A, Abir-Khalil, S, Lahmouz, F, Arrach, M L, Chaouki, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Egypt 01.07.2009
• Subjects: Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Case-Control Studies; Chi-Square Distribution; Diabetes Complications - complications; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia - complications; Hypertension - diagnosis; Hypertension - epidemiology; Hypertension - etiology; Hypertension - therapy; Life Style; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Morocco - epidemiology; Obesity - complications; Population Surveillance; Prevalence; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors
• ISSN: 1020-3397; 1687-1634
• DOI: 10.26719/2009.15.4.827

This study used data from the Moroccan national survey in 2000 to identify the principle risk factors for hypertension in a representative sample of the population age 20+ years. The risk of hypertension increased steadily with age and was higher among rural residents (OR = 1.42) and those with diabetes (OR = 1.72). The risk increased with increased body mass index, waist size and hypercholesterolaemia. The risk of hypertension decreased by 36% and 46% respectively for those who walked 30-60 min and > 60 min daily. Consumption of fish and fresh fruits 1+ times per week was associated with a lower risk. Among those with hypertension, only 21.9% were previously diagnosed and 8.8% were under medical treatment.