Prevalence of hypertension in a rural community of central India

(1) To study prevalence of hypertension. (2) To study association between various factors and hypertension in a rural community of Central India.

A community based cross sectional study was carried out in rural community. 924 study subjects aged 30 years and above were selected using systematic random sampling of houses. Anthropometry, blood glucose, and blood pressure were measured with standard instruments and methodology for all the study subjects. Statistical tests like Chi square, Student's t test and chi square trend were used to analyze the data where ever applicable.

Prevalence of hypertension was 19.04%. It was higher in females (23.4%) than males (14.4%). It was seen that prevalence of hypertension increased with age. Prevalence of Pre hypertension was high (18.8%). 4.3% had isolated systolic hypertension and 0.9% had isolated diastolic hypertension. Older age, increased body mass index and waist hip ratio were significantly higher among hypertensive compared to normotensive. Factors like upper social class, sedentary physical activity, tobacco use and diabetes were significantly associated with hypertension. Alcohol intake was not associated with hypertension.

The prevalence of hypertension is high and is associated with socio-demographic factors. Hence there is need for primordial prevention efforts on large scale.