INTRODUCTIONOne in three adults has raised blood pressure worldwide, a condition that causes around half of all deaths from stroke and heart disease and it's a growing public health problem.1 Studies show that for every known person with hypertension there are two persons with either undiagnosed hypertension or pre hypertension. Globally, the prevalence of hypertension among adults is 40%, with the highest prevalence (46%) in Africa, and the lowest prevalence (35%) in America.3 Hypertension is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths, around 12.8% of the total annual deaths. 4 It is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, ischaemic and hemorrhagic stroke. 5Global health statistics report 2013 says that in India, 23.1% men and 22.6% women over 25 years suffer from ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases in India are on the increasing trend. Hypertension is a major public health problem in India. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension in an urban area of Puducherry, South India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among adults in an urban area of Puducherry, South India, between Oct 2013 to Nov 2013. A total of 236 adults aged ≥ 35years were selected and data was collected using piloted questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured following standard technique. Results: Out of 236 participants 123(52.1%) were found to be hypertensives. Among the hypertensives, nearly one fourth 32(24%) of them were undiagnosed hypertensives. Advanced age, male gender, housewives compared to their counterparts, family history of hypertension, alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, and abdominal obesity (among females) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension is found to be high. Regular health education programme to raise awareness and community-based screening programme should be given priority for early detection of hypertension and prevention of complications.
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