PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a current and significant public health issue globally. Hypertension should be given priority in terms of prevention, early identification, management, and proper control. Hypertension is defined as an average systolic blood pressure 140 mm Hg or greater, diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg or greater. Hypertension is a significant public-health challenge globally, because of its high frequency this is a risks factor for many major health problems such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and chronic kidney disease. India is a developing country with a heterogeneous and young population therefore the prevalence rate from the developed countries are different. Aim: The main objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of hypertension among residents of selected area. Material and methods: The study has adopted a cross sectional design. Out of 820 people were surveyed. Furthermore, 151 participants with hypertension were interviewed. Data was collected through structured questionnaire and measurement of blood pressure. Results: The study found that majority (70.19%) of participants were in Stage-1 hypertension and 19.20% in Stage-2 hypertension. Only 10.59% of participants were in pre-hypertensive stage. Conclusions: Among selected rural area of Dehradun the prevalence of hypertension was 151 (18.41%). It indicates the iceberg phenomenon of hypertension in the rural population as 70.17% cases with grade-1 hypertension. It is very essential for the health care system to screen the interior parts and remote rural areas and provide preventive and promotive services to treat and manage the hypertension.