HYPERTENSION - PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS AMONG URBAN POPULATION IN NORTH KARNATAKA

Abstract

Background: Hypertension, a major public health problem, is directly responsible for 57% of all stroke deaths and 24% of coronary heart disease related deaths in India. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing rapidly in developing countries more in urban areas due to changing life style and increasing longevity. Objectives: 1.To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among urban population (18 years and above) of Raichur district of North Karnataka Materials and Methods: Prevalence of hypertension among adults from the previous studies was found to be 35%. Sample size of 713 was calculated using the formula 4pq/L 2 w i t h 1 0 % a l l o w a b l e e r r o r . Systematic random sampling was used and after taking informed consent, participants were interviewed using a pre tested questionnaire based on WHO STEPS approach for chronic disease risk factor surveillance and examined. Diagnostic criteria were based on JNC VII guidelines, SBP ≥140mmHg and/or DBP ≥90mmHg. Data was analysed using Epi-info and SPSS version 17. proportions and chi square test were used. Results: Prevalence of hypertension was found to be 37.6%; significantly associated with smoking, fruits and vegetables intake, salt intake, junk foods, family history of hypertension and obesity. There is no significant association with type of diet (vegetarian or non vegetarian) alcohol and physical activity. Conclusion: prevalence of hypertension among urban population is high. Life style factors are significantly associated with hypertension. So there is an urgent need for life style modification among urban especially among those with positive family history