Prevalence, awareness, and associated factors of high blood pressure among female migrant workers in Central South China

Background. Although many young Chinese women migrate to urban regions for betteropportunities, little is known about the prevalence and awareness of having high bloodpressure (HBP) in this population. This study investigated the prevalence, awareness,and factors associated with HBP among young female migrant workers in Central SouthChina.Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study to identify HBP (2017 ACC/AHAguidelines) among female migrant workers aged 18-45 years in Central South China.Demographics, anthropometric measurements, hypertension-related lifestyle, aware-ness of HBP, and blood pressure were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was usedto identify the factors associated with HBP (blood pressure >= 130/80 mmHg).Results. Overall, 232 female migrants participated in the study (mean age 34.4; standarddeviation: 6.4 years). The prevalence of HBP was 27.2% (95% CI [21.6-33.2]), and88.9% of the participants were unaware of their HBP status. Having rural medicalinsurance (odds ratio [OR]=20.7; 95% confidence interval 95% CI [2.1-204.8]),awareness of having HBP (OR=5.1; 95% CI [1.4-18.5]), physical inactivity (OR=2.9; 95% CI [1.1-7.9]), and being overweight/obese (OR=2.7; 95% CI [1.3-6.1]) wereindependently associated with HBP.Conclusions. This study revealed a high prevalence of HBP among young Chinesefemale migrant workers, as well as a high frequency of being unaware of theircondition and some associated factors (rural medical insurance, awareness of havingHBP, physical inactivity, and overweight/obesity). The uncontrolled HBP amongyoung Chinese female migrant workers suggested that health education needs furtherpromotion in such a population.

Automated summary

This study found a high prevalence of high blood pressure among young Chinese female migrant workers, with a majority being unaware of their condition. Factors associated with high blood pressure included having rural medical insurance, awareness of having HBP, physical inactivity, and being overweight/obese.