The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension among the Population in Gulf Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22317/jcms.v11i6.2043Keywords:
Hypertension, Prehypertension, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Systematic Review, meta-analysisAbstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence, management status and major socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors for hypertension (HTN) and prehypertension (PHTN) in the GCC region using a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis that synthesizes evidence from cross-sectional and cohort studies published between 2004 and 2025. National surveys and clinical settings across GCC countries, including screening campaigns, primary health care centers (PHC) and tertiary hospitals. Data on prevalence (P), awareness (A), treatment (T), control (C), and odds ratios (OR) for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, including obesity and adherence metrics, were extracted from 38 unique studies.
Results: Across 23 studies (N = 257,752), hypertension prevalence ranged from 1.72% to 72.67% with a central tendency near one quarter of adults (median 26.10%; mean 27.40%). Heterogeneity was extreme (Q (22) =5649.82, p<.001; I²=99.61%), and small-study effects were indicated by Egger’s regression (intercept 7.86, p=.044). Across 11 studies (N = 204,284), PHTN prevalence ranged from 3.70% to 56.03% (median 17.22%; mean 23.81%) with similarly high heterogeneity (Q (10) =4503.86, p<.001; I²=99.78%) and evidence of small-study effects (Egger intercept 16.53, p=.011).
Conclusion: Hypertension in the GCC is driven by structural socioeconomic barriers and persistent gaps between knowledge and clinical control. Targeted strategies to improve PHC adherence and reduce metabolic risk especially among vulnerable and underserved groups are essential to strengthen long-term HTN management in the region.
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