PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTENSION IN A RURAL MUNICIPALITY, NEPAL

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a significant public health concern globally, as it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and contributes to high mortality rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in Gandaki Rural Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 13, 2022, involving 315 respondents aged 40 years and above. Hypertension and associated factors were assessed using a self-constructed questionnaire, a doctor’s aneroid sphygmomanometer, and a stethoscope. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of hypertension. Results: The majority of respondents (27.3%) were aged between 50 and 59 years, with a mean age of 60.65 years (±12.85). The prevalence of hypertension was 41%. Alcohol consumption was reported by 43.2% of respondents, while 28.3% had a smoking habit, 24.1% used smokeless tobacco, 87.6% consumed red meat, and the majority (60.3%) engaged in moderate-intensity activities. Older age (AOR = 5.4; 95% CI = 2.60–11.06), smoking (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.06-3.19), presence of non-communicable diseases (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.03-3.70), and overweight (AOR = 2.4; 95%CI = 1.32-4.22) or obesity (AOR = 5.8; 95%CI = 2.50–13.68) were identified as significant risk factors for hypertension. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be almost two-fifths in Gandaki Rural Municipality, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies focusing on modifiable risk factors. These strategies should focus on major risk factors such as promoting physical activity, discouraging tobacco use, increasing fruit consumption, and reducing red meat intake.