Hypertension and Risk Factors in Coastal Societies

Hypertension is a global problem since the increasing prevalence rate occurs every year, including in Tarakan City, which topographically consists of coastal and urban societies. The increasing number of people with hypertension is related to population growth and unhealthy community behaviour. This study aimed to determine the correlation of risk factors for physical activity/sports, smoking and sodium intake with blood pressure in coastal societies in Tarakan City. This study was a cross sectional design with 150 respondents from coastal societies collected by cluster sampling, where sampling was based on a predetermined area. Univariate and bivariate data processing were undertaken using Chi Square test. The results showed that in the coastal societies of Tarakan City, there were 61 respondents (40.7%) of hypertension patients, the highest in the 36-70 year age group. There is correlation between sports activities and blood pressure in coastal communities with a p value of 0.0001. There is correlation between smoking habits and blood pressure in the coastal community of Tarakan City where the p value is 0.001. There is a correlation between salty eating habits and blood pressure in the coastal community of Tarakan City, where the p value is 0.0001.&nbsp