Impact of educational attainment on hypertension prevalence: Insights from a national Peruvian survey

Introduction: This study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. The objective was to analyze the influence of educational level on the prevalence of hypertension in Peruvian adults during the period 2020–2023. Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted. Document analysis was used as the technique, and a data extraction form based on the 2020–2023 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) microdata served as the instrument. The sample included 124,200 Peruvian adults. Results: Adults with lower educational attainment exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (p<0.05; OR: 1.3), even after adjusting for variables such as sex, health insurance, and alcohol consumption. Educational level emerged as an independent determinant of hypertension burden. Conclusion: Lower educational attainment significantly increases the risk of hypertension among Peruvian adults.