Paper Title
Undiagnosed Hypertension Among Low Income (B40) Individual in Malaysia: Data from the RESPOND Study

Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of known hypertension has resulted from the progression of undiagnosed hypertension. This study is targeted to examine and compare the risk factors based on the estimated odds ratios of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors on different outcome levels of hypertension. Methods:The data were collected within the ‘Responsive and Equitable Health Systems – Partnership on Non-communicable Diseases’ (RESPOND) Project involving 611 hypertensives among low-income individuals in Malaysia. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval has been estimated using multiple logistic regression. Results: In total 611 respondents were involved in the study with 93 (15.2%) was undiagnosed hypertension. The factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension were age group (adj. OR: 2.721 (95%CI: 2.398, 5.293) compared to the age group with less than 50 years old. Currently used of tobacco used has 3.3113 (95%CI: 1.393, 6.960) compared to never used on tobacco. Those with diabetes mellitus had 11.132 (95%CI: 4.293, 28.864) risk compared to those without diabetes mellitus. The higher the SBP, the risk of having undiagnosed hypertension was also higher (adj. OR: 1.023 (95%: 0.011, 1.035).Conclusion:A systematic screening and awareness program are needed to identify undiagnosed hypertension in the community mostly for the elderly, currently on tobacco user and those with diabetes mellitus. Home blood pressure monitoring can be incorporated into the care of patients and regular follow up can be offered for early treatment. Keyword - Known hypertension, Low Income Individual, Malaysia, Undiagnosed hypertension