Prevalence and risk factors associated with hypertension among the Hmong people in Phayao Province, Thailand

Hypertension is a significant global public health issue, including in Thailand. Research findings are still lacking among vulnerable populations in remote areas, with particular emphasis on the Hmong ethnic group. The data obtained from the research can be utilized to plan and develop tailored and effective health policies for specific ethnic groups, thereby enhancing the efficiency of hypertension management. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among the Hmong tribe in Phayao province. The study sample comprised 380 individuals using a multi-stage sampling method from the Hmong ethnic group aged 20 years and older. This study was a face-to-face interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that 32.9% of the respondents had hypertension based on home blood pressure measurements (135/85 mmHg). The average systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 125.69 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 78.61 mmHg. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the significant factors associated with hypertension were stress (Adj.OR:0.26; 95%CI 0.12-0.57; p=0.001), sugar consumption (Adj.OR:4.21; 95%CI 2.44-7.28; p<0.001), and salt consumption (Adj.OR:2.00; 95%CI 1.15-3.42; p=0.014). Health centers should conduct regular screening for hypertension and develop innovations in promoting appropriate dietary behavior modifications (specifically sugar and salt intake) with culturally tailored communication materials for the Hmong tribe to address the problem effectively and sustainably.