Trends in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension over twenty years in Geneva, Switzerland

Mayssam Nehme, Anshu Uppal, Ophelia Zimmerman, Julien Lamour, Shannon Mechoullam, Idris Guessous, for the Bus Santé study group.
Twenty years population-based trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Geneva, SwitzerlandPreventive Medicine Reports, April 2025, doi :10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103055

Abstract

Objective : Hypertension is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, affecting approximately 1.3 billion adults worldwide. Despite interventions, awareness and control of hypertension remain insufficient, and may even have deteriorated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This population-based study examines changes in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension over twenty years in Geneva, Switzerland (2005-2023).

Methods: This is an annual trend study conducted in Geneva, Switzerland (Bus Santé study). The data for this study were collected between 2005 and 2023. Trends in hypertension and its prevalence were analysed as a function of sex, age, education and income. Multivariate regression models, adjusted for socio-demographic and health factors, were used to identify the determinants of these results.

Results: A total of 11,278 people took part in the study. The prevalence of hypertension fell from 38.9% to 35.2%, with greater reductions among people with primary education (-6.1%) and low income (-6.1%). Awareness remained stable over time. Uncontrolled hypertension decreased (from 44.9% to 42.2%, p = 0.01), with improvements in the lowest socio-economic groups and in people with diabetes. Older women were more likely to have untreated (+16.1%) and uncontrolled hypertension, while younger men had higher rates of unawareness of this symptom (57.7%). Having consulted a doctor in the last 12 months was not associated with an increase in awareness of hypertension.

Conclusions : The prevalence of hypertension and its control have improved overall, with a reduction in socio-economic disparities. However, certain groups remain at risk, and primary care is essential to improve the detection, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension.

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