Hypertension Risk Factors in Rural China's Henan Cohort Study

Hypertension is a significant public health concern, contributing to over 1.4 million deaths annually in China. There is limited understanding of the gender-specific risk factors associated with hypertension in rural populations, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.

This cohort study examined 5,000 adults in rural Henan, focusing on demographic, lifestyle, and clinical data to identify specific hypertension risk factors. Participants were stratified by gender, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate associations.

Findings indicated a prevalence of hypertension at 35% in men and 25% in women. Key risk factors included higher BMI (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.2) and lower physical activity levels (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7-2.7) specifically in men, while women exhibited higher rates of hypertension linked to increased stress (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.0).

These findings suggest the necessity for gender-specific interventions in hypertension management in rural China, such as targeted lifestyle modifications. However, the cross-sectional nature of the study and reliance on self-reported data limit causal inferences.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2025.102