Abstract

its high prevalence and association with cardiovascular and overall morbidity and mortality. Two-thirds of India’s one billion population still lives in rural areas with very sparse data regarding non-communicable diseases. Hence, the present study intended to find out the prevalence & associated risk factors of hypertension among adults in rural parts of Vijayapur. Objectives: To study the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among adults (20-60 years of age). Material and Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Ethical Committee, the study was carried out in rural Vijayapur. Participants were then interviewed using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire and general physical examination was done. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 4.6%. It was highest among females (6.9%), 41-50 years of age (65%), illiterates (51.6%), lower middle class (64.5%), stress due to aging (80.6%), tobacco users (6.5%) and alcoholics (6.7%). Also, a positive association was found between body mass index (BMI) and hypertension (p<0.05).

Description