Factors Associated with Hypertension Among Saudi Adults Attending Primary Healthcare Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hypertension is a major public health challenge in Saudi Arabia. Previous studies have identified several sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary, and clinical factors associated with hypertension, but findings have been inconsistent. Moreover, few studies have examined these factors simultaneously in primary healthcare settings. Therefore, this study examined their associations with hypertension among Saudi adults attending primary healthcare clinics. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 525 Saudi adults attending primary healthcare clinics at Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May 2026. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and hypertension status was verified using electronic medical records. Logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with hypertension, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: Of the 525 participants, 146 (27.8%) had hypertension. After age and sex adjustment, advancing age, lower educational attainment, current smoking, electronic cigarette use, daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, higher body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and history of cardiovascular disease were associated with hypertension. However, after multivariable adjustment, only advancing age (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06–1.12), higher BMI (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.12), and history of cardiovascular disease (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.01–4.06) remained associated with hypertension. Conclusions: These findings support closer blood pressure monitoring among older adults, individuals with higher BMI, and those with a history of cardiovascular disease in primary healthcare settings. Weight management should also be considered an important component of hypertension prevention.