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Regional differences in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Poland - comparison of two national multi-center health surveys: WOBASZ and WOBASZ II

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Data on regional differences in the current prevalence of hypertension in Poland remain limited. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among Polish adults in 2013-2014 (WOBASZ II study) and to compare these parameters with data from 2003-2005 (WOBASZ study). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in two independent, representative samples. The WOBASZ II study included 3,406 women and 2,757 men, while the WOBASZ study examined 7,783 women and 6,972 men. RESULTS: The greatest increase in hypertension prevalence over 10 years was observed among men from Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship (39.7% vs. 51.8%) and women from Łódzkie Voivodeship (32.7% vs. 44%). Increases in hypertension awareness were noted in men from Wielkopolskie Voivodeship (50.8% vs. 59.5%) and women from Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship (65.7% vs. 77%). Treatment rates rose in men from Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship (16.8% vs. 40.3%) and women from Opolskie Voivodeship (24.7% vs. 44.4%). Improvements in hypertension control were seen in men from Wielkopolskie Voivodeship (3.5% vs. 13.3%) and women from Lubuskie Voivodeship (5.6% vs. 27.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Pronounced differences were observed in the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of arterial hypertension among voivodeships, highlighting the necessity of region-specific public health interventions and resource allocation to effectively manage hypertension. Additionally, changes observed over the decade from 2003/04-2013/14 highlight evolving epidemiological trends and demonstrate the impact of such interventions on hypertension management.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331677