[Prevalence and associates of hyperuricemia in middle- and older-aged populations of islands and mountainous areas in Taizhou City of Zhejiang Province].

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associates of hyperuricemia (HUA) among the middle- and older-aged population of the island and mountainous areas in Taizhou City of Zhejiang Province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals aged 45 and above in the island and mountainous area of Taizhou City. The study included questionnaires, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Data were primarily collected on sociodemographic characteristics, chronic disease history, lifestyle factors, waist circumference, blood pressure, and serum uric acid levels. The association between hyperuricemia and these factors was analyzed by logistic regression. Results: A total of 971 individuals were included in the study, comprising 468 from island and 503 from mountainous area. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 17.9%, with a significantly higher prevalence in the island area (25.6%) compared to the mountainous area (10.7%). Stratified by gender and age, differences in the prevalence of hyperuricemia between island and mountainous areas were observed in males aged 55 to 64, females aged 45 to 54, 55 to 64, 75 and above (all P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that high intake of sea food (>3 times/week) was positively associated with hyperuricemia (OR=2.10, 95%CI:1.33-3.34). Furthermore, separate regionally stratified logistic regression analyses showed that in the island area, male gender (OR=3.15, 95%CI:1.78-5.66), central obesity (OR=2.38, 95%CI:1.46-3.93), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR=2.00, 95%CI:1.22-3.30) were positively correlated with hyperuricemia (all P<0.05). In the mountainous area, the age group of 65 and above (OR=3.50, 95%CI:1.09-12.50), male (OR=6.79, 95%CI:2.87-17.81), those employed in enterprises and institutions (OR=6.57, 95%CI:1.92-23.73) and hypertension (OR=3.68, 95%CI:1.66-8.87) were positively correlated with hyperuricemia (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of hyperuricemia among the middle- and older-aged population in the island of Taizhou City is significantly higher than that in the mountainous areas. Targeted comprehensive behavioral interventions such as routine screening of chronic diseases, low-fat diet, alcohol control, reduced seafood intake, enhanced exercise, weight management, and blood pressure control are warranted.