META-REGRESSION OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AND THE PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL DISORDERS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Hypertension is a common degenerative disease with a high mortality rate and a significant impact on quality of life and productivity. Education level plays a crucial role in understanding and managing hypertension, where higher education levels can contribute to reducing the risk of hypertension. This study utilized meta-analysis and meta-regression to explore the relationship between education level and hypertension prevalence. Secondary data from eight previous studies conducted between 2015 and 2023 were analyzed. Heterogeneity analysis was performed to determine the appropriate meta-analysis model, with a random-effect model selected based on the test results.  Of the eight studies analyzed, five showed a negative odds ratio, indicating that individuals with higher education levels have a lower likelihood of developing hypertension compared to those with lower education levels. The heterogeneity test showed significant variability among the studies (I2 = 91.38%). The random-effect model estimated a combined effect size with an ln odds ratio of -0.1777 and a 95% confidence interval of -0.3228 to -0.0326. These findings suggest that higher education levels are associated with a lower risk of hypertension. This underscores the importance of improving access to quality education as part of public health strategies to reduce the incidence of hypertension and enhance overall community well-being.