Association between social determinants and the presence of essential hypertension in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the association between social determinants and the presence of essential hypertension in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in one rural county (Jintan) of China. A health survey of Jintan residents was conducted in 2013, applying a cluster sampling method. Three hundred and fifty-seven type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were selected as research subjects. Among the patients selected, essential hypertension prevalence was 45.4% (n=162). After univariate analyses and logistic regression analyses, an association was observed between the presence of essential hypertension in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and marital status, described as 'others (unmarried, divorce, widower, etc.)', and participating in active physical activity. Both of these two significant variables were positively associated with the higher prevalence of essential hypertension in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. In conclusion, the patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with essential hypertension often reported an association with more negative social determinants (with the exception of participation in physical activity). Further strengthening the comprehensive multi-disease management to control and reduce the prevalence of essential hypertension in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is required.