Sex, age, and racial/ethnic disparities in hyperuricemia prevalence and risk factors among U.S. adults: An analysis of NHANES 2007–2018 data

Abstract

Background Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder linked to gout, kidney disease, and cardiovascular complications. Understanding its prevalence and risk factors across demographic groups is crucial for effective prevention and management. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of hyperuricemia among U.S. adults by sex, age, and racial/ethnic groups, and identify common and sex-specific risk factors. Methods Data from 34,144 U.S. adults aged ≥20 years, obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018, were analyzed. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid levels >7.0 mg/dL in males and >6.0 mg/dL in females. Prevalence estimates were calculated, and multivariate logistic regression models identified risk factors, adjusting for confounders such as body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, hypertension, renal function, and other variables. A sensitivity analysis excluding participants with a history of gout was conducted to evaluate the robustness of identified associations. Results The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was significantly higher in males (21.1%) compared to females (17.1%, P  < 0.001). Females surpassed males in both prevalence and absolute numbers after age 50–59; by age ≥ 80, the number of female cases was more than twice that of males. Non-Hispanic Black adults had the highest prevalence (23.9% in males, 23.4% in females). Key risk factors for both sexes included obesity (OR = 3.91 in males; OR = 4.76 in females), hypertension (OR = 1.65 in males; OR = 2.09 in females), and impaired renal function (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²: OR = 3.72 in males; OR = 15.37 in females). Alcohol consumption was positively associated with hyperuricemia in males (OR = 1.25), but not significantly so in females. Diabetes showed opposite associations: protective in males (OR = 0.72) but a risk factor in females (OR = 1.22). Medication use exhibited expected directional effects: diuretic use was associated with significantly increased risk of hyperuricemia (OR = 2.67 in males; OR = 2.55 in females), while urate-lowering therapy was associated with reduced risk (OR = 0.57 in males; OR = 0.55 in females). Conclusions Hyperuricemia remains highly prevalent in the U.S., with notable disparities by sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Older women bear a particularly high burden, partly due to obesity, renal dysfunction, and diuretic use. Incorporating medication use into analyses strengthens the evidence for sex-specific risk profiles. These findings highlight the importance of considering targeted screening and prevention strategies in specific high-risk groups, such as older women and patients receiving diuretics.