Burden and determinants of hypertension in rural Pondicherry, India

Abstract

Background: Globally, hypertension has been acknowledged as a significant public health concern, and is also the most frequent potential risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. The present study has been undertaken to determine the burden of hypertension and its determinants in a rural area of Pondicherry. Methods: The study was performed among the population of two villages in a rural area of Pondicherry in 2012-14. The sampling frame comprised individuals aged above 25 years and single stage cluster random sampling was carried out. Subjects satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were interviewed after obtaining informed consent using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the SPSS statistical package version 16. The associations with risk factors were assessed using Chi-square test and Unpaired T test for the categorical (%) and continuous (mean ± SD) variables respectively. The adjusted risk of hypertension was assessed with a logistic regression model. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 24.7% (258/1043), with higher prevalence among male (28.7%) than females (21.0%). A statistically significant association was observed between hypertension and reduced physical activity/week, smoking, alcohol consumption, higher waist circumference, raised total cholesterol and triglyceride level, and excessive consumption of salt. Conclusion: High prevalence of hypertension was observed in the study population. Interventions targeted for healthy diet, activity and de-addiction are the need of the time in rural Pondicherry.