Abstract:
Objectives: Hypertension is a global major health challenge and mechanisms related to the
risk factors associated with it are poorly understood. Therefore, we used structural modeling to
test a hypothesized model to identify factors associated with hypertension.
Methods: A cross-sectional population based survey, was performed and the data related to
a random representative sample of 9704 subjects of MASHAD study were used. Then, we
determined the relationship between risk factors for hypertension using structural equation
modeling technique. The data were analyzed using Amos V. 22.
Results: The conceptual model was validated by Goodness of Fit Indexes (CFI=0.939,
TLI=0.908, NFI=0.935, RMSEA=0.04, SRMR=0.037). Obesity and lack of physical activity
had the greatest impact on blood pressure.
Discussion: Findings show evidences to confirm the conceptual model considered in the
risk factors for hypertension that can be helpful in policies for preventing hypertension and
consequently, the disabilities that arise from it.
Machine summary:
Research Paper: Identifying Factors Associated With Hypertension Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Population-Based Study Razieh Yousefi1 , Majid Ghayour Mobarhan2,3 , Habibollah Esmaily4, Azadeh Saki4* , Gordon Ashley Anthony Ferns5 , Maryam Tayefi2 1.
3. 307 Funding: See Page 315 Copyright: The Author(s) A B S T R A C T Article info: Received: 24 Jan 2018 Accepted: 20 Jul 2018 Available Online: 01 Sep 2018 Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, Hypertension, Blood pressure, Structural equation modeling, Latent variables Objectives: Hypertension is a global major health challenge and mechanisms related to the risk factors associated with it are poorly understood.
Unlike traditional regression models that consider each covariate in the model as an independent variable directly affecting increased blood pressure, structural equation modeling allows simultaneous assessment of relevant pathway of risk factors as independent and/ or dependent.
Therefore, we used structural equation modeling to test our hypothesized model of risk factors for increased blood pressure using data from Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study.
Data analysis A structural equation model was determined to esti- mate the effects of risk factors for hypertension.
The conceptual model was identified based on previous studies and expert opinions, relations between obesity, Socioeconomic (SE) status, poor diet and blood pressure along with the observed variables of age, glu- cose, triglycerides and physical activity.
Age, glucose level, and obesity showed direct effects on blood pres- sure and SE status, poor diet, physical activity and tri- glycerides had indirect effects on blood pressure.