ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

BACKGROUND: Context: The epidemiology of hypertension, in terms of its importance as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, continues to be major area of research. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of various risk factors on hypertension among adult population (20-60 years) in the rural areas. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: The present study was a community based cross-sectional study. The study was carried out in three villages of the field-practice area of Rural Health Training Centre of Community Medicine Department, M. P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar during the months of September to November 2011. A total of 250 adult study subjects were included by simple sampling random technique in the present study. Pre-designed, pre-tested schedule was used to collect data regarding demographic characteristics and different risk factors. Percentages, chi-square test and P-value were calculated using Epi Info software. RESULTS: Out of 250 study subjects, 25.60% were male while 74.40% were females. Majority of the subjects belonged to 30 to 39 years of age. Overall magnitude of hypertension was found to be 15.6%. Addiction to any form of tobacco was found among 28.40% of the study participants and out of those, almost 50% were hypertensives. 29.82% of the over-weight individuals were also found hypertensives. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 15.6% in the rural areas in the present study, which needs attention because in current trend of migration from rural to urban area it may cause harm as a hidden disease and may give impact on other non-communicable diseases.