Coastal residency and its association with diagnosed hypertension based on findings from a cross-sectional study in rural Bangladesh

The high prevalence of hypertension in coastal regions poses a significant public health challenge due to factors such as high salt intake, air pollution, poor diets, limited healthcare access, and increased stress levels. However, disparities in diagnosed hypertension between coastal and non-coastal areas in Bangladesh remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate and address the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension among adults in both regions. In 2020-2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh to assess hypertension prevalence in coastal and non-coastal regions. The study included 3917 adults from six districts, including non-coastal and coastal regions. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were determined using a modified Poisson regression model, to quantify the relationship between hypertension prevalence in the two regions. The study finds that 438 (11.2%) of the 3917 respondents [446 females [11.7%]; mean age 44.73 years] had been diagnosed with hypertension. Notably, adults residing in coastal areas had a higher prevalence of hypertension (13.4%, 95% confidence interval: 11.8%-15.0%) than their non-coastal counterparts (9.5%, 95% CI: 8.3%-10.7%). In coastal areas, the prevalence ranged from 7.8% in the 18-24 age group to 16.4% in the 55 + age group. In non-coastal areas, the prevalence ranged from 2.9% in the 18-24 age group to 15.8% in the 55 + age group. The results of the multivariable analysis revealed that adults from coastal areas were 29% more likely to have hypertension than those in non-coastal areas (aPR:1.29, 95% CI: 1.07-1.56). Moreover, age, physical activity, occupation, and body mass index (BMI) were identified as factors associated with the development of hypertension within these regions. Hypertension is a major health issue across Bangladesh, with coastal regions facing added challenges from high salinity in drinking water. While both coastal and non-coastal areas experience high rates of undiagnosed hypertension, environmental factors unique to coastal areas may intensify the issue. Targeted interventions that account for environmental and socioeconomic factors are essential to addressing this growing health concern in both regions.