Hypertension and its correlates in two communities of dissimilar genetic ancestry in Sikkim, India

Background: Hypertension has emerged as a major health risk among adults and the elderly in India. In spite of sharing similar physical and cultural environments, group level cultural variability and distinct genetic ancestry may result in differences in patterns of hypertension prevalence.Aim: The present study investigates the relationships between socio-economic, lifestyle and anthropometric variables and hypertension in two communities (Rai and Bhutia) of Sikkim. Both groups live in a similar ecological setting and are exposed to forces of modernization of almost equal magnitude.Subjects and methods: The study sample consists of 582 Rais and 315 Bhutias. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, substance uses and other lifestyle variables were collected through relevant pre-tested questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standard methods. Three consecutive blood pressure measurements were taken and averaged for analysis.Results: The results of covariance analyses show ...