Objective The purpose of this study is to understand the status of hypertension prevalence rate, awareness rate, treatment rate, control rate and to explore the risk factors of hypertension among residents of Oroqen nationality.

Methods A survey, adopted cluster stratified sampling, was made among the population of Oroqen and Han nationalities in Oroqen Autonomous Banner from June to December, 2010. The observed population were residents aged 18 and over who lived more than 5 years in the region. The authors collected data from questionnaire interviews (general information, dietary habits, smoking, drinking, family history, individual disease history, awareness and treatment) and physical examination (height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure). Microsoft Excel was used to input data; SPSS13.0 software was used to analyse data.

Results (1) A total of 946 residents in Oroqen Autonomous Banner were examined. The prevalence rate of hypertension in Oroqen was 33.82%, (in males 35.34%, females 32.37%), that in Han was 26.85% (in males 28.70%, females 25.14%). The hypertension prevalence of Oroqen nationality was higher than that of Han nationality, the difference between them was significant (p<0.05). (2) Overall, 64.13% residents of Oroqen nationality with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis, 56.52% were taking antihypertensive drugs, and 16.30% achieved blood pressure control; 66.85% Han nationality of residents with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis, 59.67% were taking antihypertensive drugs, and 17.13% achieved blood pressure control. The difference between Oroqen and Han nationalities was of no significance (p>0.05). (3) According to multi-factor logistic regression analysis, age, smoking, drinking, salt, BMI and WHR were the risk factors of Oroqen residents with hypertension; age, smoking, drinking, salt, family history and WHR were the risk factors of Han residents with hypertension. Education level and income were the protective factors for Han residents.

Conclusion (1) The study provided the fundamental data for the prevention of hypertension in Oroqen Autonomous Banner. (2) Hypertension awareness rate, treatment rate and control rate in this region were higher than the national average level in 2002, but compared to developed countries, there was a distinct gap. (3) Smoking cessation, reduction in alcohol intake, control of salt intake and weight control were still important measures for the prevention and treatment of hypertension in Oroqen Autonomous Banner.