Prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and risk assessment using a validated survey in community-based screening in Amman, Jordan.

Undiagnosed hypertension was highly prevalent among community screening participants in Amman, Jordan.

• 20.6% of participants were found to have undiagnosed hypertension based on blood pressure measurement.
• The study enrolled 932 adult participants without previously diagnosed hypertension.
• Screening was conducted September 2022 through September 2023 in a cross-sectional design.
• Blood pressure was measured by trained university pharmacy students during a single visit.
• Participants were categorized using American Heart Association criteria.

Elevated and high-stage systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were common among participants.

• Systolic readings were classified as elevated in 45% of participants, stage 1 in 15%, and stage 2 in 5.5%.
• Diastolic readings showed stage 1 hypertension in 42% and stage 2 in 7.6% of participants.
• These classifications were made using American Heart Association criteria.

Participants with risk scores ≥17 on the validated 9-risk predictor questionnaire were identified as having current hypertension.

• Participants with risk scores ≥17 (n=39) were those who had current hypertension defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg.
• These participants were classified as high-risk based on established cutoffs.
• The risk assessment tool showed good screening ability to reveal participants' hypertension status.
• The tool effectively classified between those with and without current hypertension.

The study population had a substantial burden of hypertension risk factors.

• 61% of participants reported a family history of hypertension.
• 62% reported insufficient exercise.
• 38% were current smokers.
• 8% had diabetes mellitus as a comorbidity.
• 34% were overweight, 16% were obese, and 5.3% were extremely obese; approximately 57% of participants were female.

The validated survey instrument was designed to predict hypertension development within a nine-year timeframe using nine risk predictors.

• The questionnaire incorporates demographic and clinical factors to predict the likelihood of hypertension development within a nine-year timeframe.
• The survey included 9 risk predictors.
• The tool was distributed to adults without diagnosed hypertension during a single visit.
• The instrument supported risk stratification in a resource-limited community setting.

Hypertension affects approximately 30% of Jordan's adult population and contributes to high morbidity, mortality, and societal costs.

• The rising incidence of hypertension in Jordan has contributed to high rates of associated morbidity and mortality.
• Approximately 30% of Jordan's adult population is affected by hypertension.
• This background motivated the need for community-based screening and risk assessment.