The role of socio-economic inequality in the prevalence of hypertension in adults

Introduction: The large portion of burden of diseases, especially in the developing countries is attributed to hypertension. Identification of the potential risk factors of hypertension is essential for disease management. In this study we investigated the role of socio-economic inequality in the prevalence of hypertension in Ilam Province. Methods: Totally, 690 individuals aged over 15 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, through systematic random sampling from March 1 to October 30, 2017. Socio-economic status (SES) score was calculated by 7 variables including; age, sex, job, marital status, educational level, and economic status, residency, then, it was divided to five levels. Concentration index was used to estimate the inequality in hypertension. To estimate the percentage contribution in final step elasticity divided to concentration index for each contributor and contributions to inequality is estimated. Results: The concentration index for hypertension was -0.154 95% CI (-0.02, -0.23), therefore hypertension was more prevalent in lower socioeconomic groups. The important socioeconomic contributors in inequality were job (P=0.008), educational level (P=0.005), and SES (P=0.003). According to concentration index decomposition, the main sources of inequality in hypertension were job (15%), educational level (18%), and SES (21%), respectively. Conclusion: Hypertension is more prevalent in lower SES groups and the job, education, and SES are important contributory factors of inequality. One substantial key point to achieve an effectiveness approach to deal with chronic diseases might be building partnership with disadvantaged populations.