Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among adults in central Kerala

Introduction: High blood pressure is both preventable and treatable. Community based studies on the prevalence of hypertension is now necessary to assess the prevalence of hypertension & its risk factors. Epidemiological studies to assess the prevalence of hypertension are essential to plan preventive strategies & promote the health of population. A study of the prevalence of hypertension among adults (>19 years), the association between socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors in hypertension and the treatment seeking behavior in the population in Thrissur district of Kerala was conducted. Methods: In this community based cross sectional study, 740 adults were studied for 1 year. The sampling technique used was Multi Stage Cluster sampling. Using standard questionnaire and interview, information was collected. Blood pressure was measured twice in each subject using a mercury sphygmomanometer adopting standardized techniques and their averages were taken. Results: Maximum prevalence of hypertension was in the age group 50-69 years, showing increasing trend after 40 years onwards. Of the hypertensives 43.9% were males. Among the hypertensive group, 227(79%) had an educational qualification of 12th standard and below. Statistically significant associations of hypertension were found with educational status and BMI. Conclusion: We conclude that age group and education status were associated with hypertension.