Hypertension treatment cascade in India: results from National Noncommunicable Disease Monitoring Survey

Hypertension is a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease and stroke. We estimated prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension along with its determinants in India. We used data from the National NCD Monitoring Survey-(NNMS-2017-2018) which studied one adult (18-69 years) from a representative sample of households across India and collected information on socio-demographic variables, risk factors for NCDs and treatment practices. Blood pressure was recorded digitally and hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg or currently on medications. Awareness was defined as being previously diagnosed with hypertension by a health professional; on treatment as taking a dose of medication once in the last 14 days and; control as SBP < 140 mmHg and DBP < 90 mmHg. Multivariate Logistic regression was performed to estimate determinants. Out of 10,593 adults with a blood pressure measurement (99.4%), 3017 (28.5%; 95% CI: 27.0-30.1) were found to have hypertension. Of these hypertensives, 840 (27.9%; 95% CI: 25.5-30.3) were aware, 438 (14.5%; 95% CI: 12.7-16.5) were under treatment and, 379 (12.6%; 95% CI: 11.0-14.3) were controlled. Significant determinants of awareness were being in the age group 50-69 years (aOR 2.45 95% CI: 1.63-3.69), women (1.63; 95% CI: 1.20-2.22) and from higher wealth quintiles. Those in the age group 50-69 (aOR 4.80; 95% CI: 1.74-13.27) were more likely to be under treatment. Hypertension control was poorer among urban participants (aOR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33-0.90). Significant regional differences were noted, though without any clear trend. One-fifth of the patients were being managed at public facilities. The poor population-level hypertension control needs strengthening of hypertension services in the Universal Health Coverage package.