Razieh Yousefi - Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Majid Ghayour Mobarhan - Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Habibollah Esmaily - Research Center for Social Factors Affecting Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Azadeh Saki - Research Center for Social Factors Affecting Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Gordon Ashley Anthony Ferns - Division of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, England.
Maryam Tayefi - Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Objectives: Hypertension is a global major health challenge and mechanisms related to the risk factors associated with it are poorly understood. Therefore, we used structural modeling to test a hypothesized model to identify factors associated with hypertension.  Methods: A cross-sectional population based survey, was performed and the data related to a random representative sample of ۹۷۰۴ subjects of MASHAD study were used. Then, we determined the relationship between risk factors for hypertension using structural equation modeling technique. The data were analyzed using Amos V. ۲۲.  Results: The conceptual model was validated by Goodness of Fit Indexes (CFI=۰.۹۳۹, TLI=۰.۹۰۸, NFI=۰.۹۳۵, RMSEA=۰.۰۴, SRMR=۰.۰۳۷). Obesity and lack of physical activity had the greatest impact on blood pressure.  Discussion: Findings show evidences to confirm the conceptual model considered in the risk factors for hypertension that can be helpful in policies for preventing hypertension and consequently, the disabilities that arise from it.

Cardiovascular diseases, Hypertension, Blood pressure, Structural equation modeling, Latent variables