Table 2 Odds ratio for hypertension among subgroups by smoking status, gender, age, body mass index and education

Smoking status

Non-smoker

Reference

-

Reference

-

Smoker

0.620 (0.480–0.810)

<0.001

0.760 (0.560–1.040)

0.082

Former smoker

1.452 (1.110–1.900)

<0.006

1.020 (0.740–1.390)

0.915

Gender

Male

Reference

-

Reference

Female

1.110 (0.900–1.370)

0.322

1.040 (0.810–1.340)

0.757

Age category

18–29 yrs.

Reference

-

Reference

-

30–44 yrs.

1.470 (0.790–2.730)

0.222

1.120 (0.600–2.090)

0.728

45–59 yrs.

8.810 (5.170–15.030)

<0.001

5.770 (3.340–9.960)

<0.001

60 and more yrs.

27.490 (16.250–46.520)

<0.001

17.400 (10.160–29.790)

<0.001

BMI category

Normal weight + underweight

Reference

-

Reference

-

Overweight + Obese

5.350 (4.130–6.950)

<0.001

3.550 (2.660–4.730)

<0.001

Education*

Basic school + vocational education (=missing A level)

Reference

-

Reference

-

A-level

0.680 (0.540–0.860)

<0.001

0.900 (0.680–1.180)

0.430

University

0.730 (0.500–1.060)

0.094

0.870 (0.560–1.340)

0.518