Factors Associated with Controlled Hypertension by Sex and Macro Level: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Factors affecting hypertension control may not be limited to the individual. In this study, we review existing studies of factors related to hypertension control and evaluate macro level of those factors. The effects of various factors on hypertension control were also analyzed according to sex. All studies investigating the factors related to hypertension control were searched. All factors were categorized according to macro level as individual, work/family, community, and social level. In addition, those factors were also analyzed by sex. Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria, and the factors associated with hypertension control varied across the four levels from individual to social. In the only six studies including sex-specific analysis, factors significant only for women included marital status, exercise, alcohol, waist circumference, and health insurance. To improve hypertension control, further studies are necessary to develop gender-specific, multidimensional interventions for hypertension control.