Trends in Hypertension, Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, Dyslipidemia, and Health Behaviors: A Comparative Study between Gangwondo and Nationwide

Objectives: We compare the prevalence and health behavior indicators of hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and other health behaviors between Gangwondo and the national average in South Korea using data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2013 to 2021.Methods: KNHANES data was analyzed for adults aged 19 and older, with a focus on those aged 30+ for diabetes-related analyses. Age-standardized prevalence rates were used, with weighted integration by survey cycle to ensure reliability for smaller sample size of Gangwondo.Results: Gangwondo showed higher prevalence of hypertension (25.9%), metabolic syndrome (26.1%), and dyslipidemia (46.4%) compared to national averages. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates were above the national average, though hypercholesterolemia treatment rates were lower. Diabetes prevalence (11.7%) increased steadily, with over half of diabetic patients also having hypertension or dyslipidemia.Conclusions: Gangwondo shows higher prevalence of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and increasing diabetes prevalence compared to national averages. While hypertension management indicators are strong, hypercholesterolemia treatment remains low. Declining smoking rates were observed, but further improvements in diet and physical activity are needed.