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Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Increase in the prevalence of hypertension among adults exposed to the Great Chinese Famine during early life

Authors: Lingli Liu, Xianglong Xu, Huan Zeng, Yong Zhang, Zumin Shi, Fan Zhang, Xianqing Cao, Yao Jie Xie, Cesar Reis, Yong Zhao

Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to the Great Chinese Famine (1959–1961) during early life and hypertension in adulthood.

Methods

From July to September 2009, 1224 eligible adults were recruited in a cross-sectional survey using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method in Chongqing China. A questionnaire was used to collect information of hypertension and sociodemographic factors. Participants were categorized as childhood, fetal, and none exposure to famine based on the date of birth.

Results

Of the sample, 12.3% reported having hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension varied by famine status: 11.9% in childhood exposure, 16.1% in fetal exposure, and 10.2% in non-exposure group. After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, compared with non-exposure group, fetal exposure group had an increased likelihood of having hypertension with odds ratio of 1.79 (95%CI 1.13-2.84). Although there was no significant gender and famine interaction, the positive association between famine exposure and hypertension was stronger among women than men.

Conclusion

Fetal exposure to the Chinese famine may be associated with an increased risk of arthritis in adulthood in women.

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Title: Increase in the prevalence of hypertension among adults exposed to the Great Chinese Famine during early life
Authors: Lingli Liu
Xianglong Xu
Huan Zeng
Yong Zhang
Zumin Shi
Fan Zhang
Xianqing Cao
Yao Jie Xie
Cesar Reis
Yong Zhao
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1342-078X
Electronic ISSN: 1347-4715
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-017-0671-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Increase in the prevalence of hypertension among adults exposed to the Great Chinese Famine during early life

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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