Prevalence of Hypertension in Adult Population of A Village of Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a cardiovascular disorder rapidly emerging as a major health problem in developing countries. Uncontrolled or poorly managed hypertension leads to several complications such as coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and kidney disease. These complications account for approx 9.4 million deaths worldwide every year. Consequently, it is an urgent need for authorities to act upon this issue. This study was done to determine the prevalence of Hypertension in Deurali village of Nuwakot. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Deurali Village of Nuwakot district from May 2019 to July 2019. Ethical approval was taken from the Ethical Review Board of Nepal Health Research Council. A simple random sampling method was applied. Blood pressure was measured on three occasions along with the use of a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. Results: The study showed the prevalence of hypertension among the adult population to be 20 (8.5%) [8.5%±1.83% at 95% CI]. Prevalence was found to be higher among female than male. Age group more than 60 were major sufferers of the condition. The study population consisted of the majority of Tamang community. Almost 213 (91%) participants were reported to have taken alcohol at some point in their life whereas only 104 (45%) were smokers. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be lower than the previous study done in similar settings.

Keywords

• blood pressure; hypertension; Nepal.