A Community Based Study of Hypertension in Rural Areas of South India

Cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases are currently responsible for two thirds of global mortality. Hypertension is a consistent and independent risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases and stroke. The prevalence of hypertension has increased in urban communities as well as in rural people. There is a strong correlation between changing lifestyle factors and increase in hypertension. Accurate and decisive data about hypertension prevalence and its risk factors is essential for scheming strategies for its effective regulation and prevention. A Community based cross-sectional study was carried out in rural community to monitor prevalence, risk factors, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in rural population. A total of 627 subjects (males n=369 and females n=258) participated in the study (age > 18 years). The participant’s blood pressure was measured and they were asked to answer a pretested questionnaire. As per the JNC VII report, hypertension was defined. Analysis of data was done using chi square test. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 49.12% (males: 57.18% and female: 37.50%). About 1/4th of the hypertensive population did not knew about their health status. 60-79 year age group had the highest prevalence of hypertension (49.02%). Bivariate analysis of data was indicative of significant relationship between hypertension with that of age, gender, literacy, body mass index (BMI), physical inactivity, and smoking and alcohol consumption. Hence the prevalence of hypertension was found to be highly prevalent in rural community. We also realized the importance of clinical pharmacist and other health care professional’s involvement in monitoring of health problems reporting possible drug related problems, measuring therapeutic compliance and counselling on lifestyle modification in rural populations.