Awareness of blood pressure in Poland in 1997

Abstract

Background Although the rapid increase in cardiovascular mortality slowed down during this decade in Poland, monitoring of blood pressure for intensification of prevention programs remains one of the priorities. Thus, in 1994, we conducted a cross-sectional survey based on a questionnaire interview on a sample of 2080 men and women aged 19 years and over to estimate the awareness of blood pressure in Poland. In September 1997, we repeated this investigation on a new group of 1664 adults.
Methods The subjects were selected by stratified and cluster random sampling with quotas. They were asked if they were aware of blood pressure; those with hypertension were asked whether they took drugs on a regular basis and whether they gave up smoking. The results were analysed according to the age, sex, education level, income and place of living.
Results In 1997 overall 66% (in 1994 71%, p < 0.001) of the subjects were aware of their blood pressure (BP) level (females: 71%, males: 60%; p < 0.001). Among subjects aware of their BP, 28% (in 1994: 21%, p < 0.001) thought to be hypertensives. A significant increase in prevalence of hypertension was observed among people representing lower social status. In general, the results obtained in 1997 have not changed or even have worsened in comparison to 1994, with exception of regularity in taking drugs, which has been found to be higher in 1997 (61% in 1997 vs 43% in 1994).
Conclusions Low awareness of blood pressure in Poland is the crucial factor of low detectability of hypertension. Decline of awareness of blood pressure over the last three years and an increase of hypertension prevalence among less educated people representing lower social status emphasizes the need for urgent preventive measures.