Period Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors of Hypertension in Rural Maharashtra: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:

Hypertension is most common cardiovascular disease and it account for large proportion of all cardiovascular deaths and disability worldwide.

Research Questions:

What is the level of prevalence of hypertension in rural area? What are the soociodemographic factors associated with hypertension?

Objectives:

To find out prevalence of hypertension in rural area.

Study Design:

A community-based cross-sectional study setting: Rural Health Training Centre Paithan, field practice area of govt. medical college Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Participants:

1297 persons aged 19 years and above.

Study Period:

June 2005 to December 2006.

Materials and Methods:

A house-to-house survey was conducted by the author himself, interviewed the participants by systematic random sampling method, using pretested structured standard questionnaire. Two independent blood pressure (BP) readings were taken in sitting position by visiting each participant at their home. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP more than or equal to 140 mm of Hg or diastolic BP more than or equal to 90 mm of Hg or those individuals currently taking antihypertensive treatment.

Statistical Tests:

Percentiles, Chi Square test, Chi-Square for linear trend, multiple logistic regression analysis on SPSS software Version 10.

Results:

Overall prevalence of hypertension in the study subjects was 7.24%. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified various factors significantly associated with hypertension were age, sex, BMI, additional salt intake, smoking, DM, alcohol consumption, and higher socioeconomic status.

Conclusions:

The overall prevalence of hypertension in study subjects was 7.24%.