National Journal of Community Medicine (Jan 2018)
A Study on Undiagnosed Hypertension and Its Associated Factors among Adults Residing in a Rural Area of West Bengal
Abstract
Background: Currently, hypertension is one of the important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and determinants of undiagnosed hypertension in a rural area of West Bengal. Materials and methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in Daspara village of Amdanga Block, Barasat, North 24 Parganas among 166 adults in the age group 20-59 years. Data was collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested schedule and data analysis was done by proportions and Chi-square tests. Results: Pre-hypertension and hypertension was present in 31.9% and 24.1% of the study population respectively. Prehypertension and hypertension was more common in 40-49 years age group, females, those belonging to nuclear families, people of Hindu religion, people belonging to class 3 socio-economic status as well as people with higher BMI, smoker, alcoholics, high salt intake and absence of physical activity. Significant association was found with age, type of family, socio-economic status, BMI, salt intake, alcohol consumption and smoking.(p<.005) Conclusion: Hypertension is more prevalent in people with higher BMI, smoker, alcoholics. high salt intake and absence of physical activity. Thus lifestyle modification is expected reduce the prevalence of this disease and its associated comorbidities.
