STUDY OF HYPERTENSION IN A POPULATION AND THE VARIOUS FACTORS INFLUENCING IT

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of the disease and awareness of people regarding hypertension and to evaluate the risk factors contributing to the causation of hypertension. Methods: A cross sectional study was done in September-October 2018. The sample comprised of a total of 100 participants, out of which half were rural-area based and the other half were the urban residents. An interview-based questionnaire was filled to get the data. The data was entered and analyzed by using Microsoft Office Tools. Results: 100 subjects were included in the study out of which half were from a rural area and the other half were urban residents. The sample constituted 64 females and 36 males. 80 of them belonged to a lower class of family. The prevalence of hypertension in the sample population was 61 out of 100. 53 of these 61 participants took some measures to control their blood pressure and 29 reported to have full control over the disease. In addition, eight individuals despite reporting to be non-hypertensive had raised blood pressure on checking it on spot. Almost 70% of the subjects were aware of the precautions and the resultant consequences in case of no control. Evaluating the risk factors, 71% of the population had the positive family history and also had stressful living conditions providing the greatest contribution to the causation of the disease. Besides 61 had age above 45 years and 46 were smokers. Conclusion: Most of the population is inflicted by this global epidemic. A greater proportion of both rural and urban population is suffering from hypertension. Health Professionals should bring their attention to this disease at the earliest. Proper programs should be formulated to reduce the exposure to the highlighted risk factors to prevent its causation. The people should be guided for the adequate control of hypertension especially in rural areas. Education of the populations is necessary for awareness of its effects and the precautions. Keywords: Hypertension, blood pressure, risk-factors, prevention