Publication: Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hypertension in Adults Living in Central Development Region of Nepal
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Hypertension is the commonest cardiovascular disorder and now regarded as
major public health problem. It is a precursor to major diseases like myocardial
infarction, stroke, renal failure etc. There are very limited community based data
on hypertension in Nepal, so, information on the prevalence of hypertension in the
population is desirable.
Objectives
To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and to explore the risk factors
associated with hypertension.
Methods
In a cross sectional study , a total of 527 subjects (males n=214 and females
n=313) participated in our study (age ≥18 years). The participants underwent
anthropometric measurement and blood pressure and answered a pretested
questionnaire. Hypertension was defined as per JNC VII criteria.
Results
Overall prevalence of hypertension was 22.4% (males: 32.7% and female: 15.3%).
Age specific prevalence of hypertension showed significant progressive increase
in blood pressure ranging from 8% to 35%. Almost 40% of hypertensives did not
know about their status. Bivariate analysis showed significant relationship of
hypertension with gender, age, literacy, physical inactivity, body mass index (BMI),
smoking and alcohol consumption. Multivariate analysis excluded literacy but all
other risk factors continued to show positive association with hypertension.
Conclusion
Being elderly, less physical activity, obese/overweight, smoking and alcohol
consumption are significant risk factors of hypertension. Therefore, intervention
measures are warranted emphasizing on modifiable risk factors such as smoking,
alcohol consumption, physical activity and obesity to prevent hypertension.
KEY WORDS
cross-sectional study, hypertension, JNC VII criteria, prevalence, risk factors
Description
Chataut J, Adhikari RK, Sinha NP
Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavre, Nepal