Assessing the relationship between sex, gender, and hypertension: A federated analysis of European and Canadian Public Health Surveys

Abstract

While gendered psycho-socio-cultural factors are recognized as major determinants of cardiovascular health, their contribution to our understanding of their effect on hypertension (HTN) in each country is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the role of these factors in HTN prevalence, focusing on sex- and gender-specific differences across countries. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (2015-2016, N = 109,659, women: 56.6%) and the European Health Interview Survey (2013-2015, N = 316,333, women: 51.3%) were analyzed. Primary endpoint was defined as HTN prevalence within 1-year. Relationship and interaction between sex, gender, and country with HTN prevalence were assessed using multivariate models. Federated analysis was conducted using DataShield. Prevalence of HTN was higher in Canada compared to Europe (30.1% vs 22.4%, P < .001). Amongst European countries, living in the Central-East region was associated with a greater risk of developing HTN. Women in the southern and central-east regions had higher prevalence of HTN. There was a significant interaction between socioeconomic status and sex in country-stratified analysis. This was more evident in central-east and southern countries compared to northern, western nations and Canada, where women with lower socioeconomic status, income, and education had a greater risk of developing HTN. Similar trends were observed regardless of country in women who were divorced or widowed. While immigrants were at higher risk of HTN, those in northern and southern Europe were at lower risk compared to central-east region. Sex- and gender-related factors and country should be considered in the prevention and control of HTN.