Background

BackgroundHypertension is a cardiovascular disorder rapidly emerging as a major public health problem in developing countries and is the most widely recognized modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to find out the prevalence and associated risk factors with hypertension among people aged 50 years and more in Banepa Municipality, Kavre, Nepal. MethodsIt is a cross-sectional, population based study which was carried out in Banepa Municipality from May 15 to June 15, 2009. Among total 11 wards of Banepa municipally, wards number 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 10 were selected by using Simple Random Sampling Technique and 405 subjects of people aged 50 years and more were selected for study from the selected wards by using Cluster Sampling. The structured interview method was used for collection of data. Mercury sphygmomanometers with standard cuff were used to measure the indirect auscultatory arterial blood pressure. Two consecutive blood pressure readings were taken and average of them was calculated to determine single value of blood pressure. ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension was 44.9 percent (47.75% in male and 42.73% in females). Among them, only 32.9 percent (60/182) were previously diagnosed as hypertension. The higher proportion of hypertensive cases were in age > 65 years (55.49%) than in the age group < 65 years (36.32%). The prevalence of hypertension was seen positively associated with non vegetarian eating habits, alcohol consumption, and > 25 Body max index. Taking green leafy vegetable at least once a week was negatively associated with the prevalence of the hypertension. ConclusionThese findings provide important information on the prevalence, associated factors of hypertension in Banepa Municipality. Effective public health measures and strategies are needed to improve prevention, diagnosis and access to treatment of these 50 years and above population.

Background Pesticide poisoning is very common in Nepal. Hospital based studies from various parts of Nepal have shown that poisoning with organophosphorus compounds is the most common type of poisoning. Current study is undertaken to see the pattern of organophosphorus poisoning and to identify the common risk factors among the cases. If the risk factors are modifiable, attempts in addressing the risk factors and decreasing the likelihood of poisoning will certainly be fruitful in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with organophosphorus poisoning. Objectives To assess the risk factors of organophosphorus poisoning which is major public health problem in Nepal. Methods A community based retrospective study of 75 cases of organophosphate poisoning who were brought to the emergency department of Dhulikhel hospital over the period of 3 years. Basic information was collected from hospital records and home visits were made to study the risk factors. Data were collected through interviews of the study population and their family members using a pre-designed questionnaire. Results In this study 75 cases and their families were interviewed of which there were 59% males and 42% females (M/F ratio of 1:1.4). The majority (40%) of the poisoning cases were in the age group 25-34 years. Lower literacy level showed positive association with the incidence of poisoning. Occupation wise vast majority (80%) of the cases were engaged in agricultural work. Suicidal attempts by ingesting organophosphate compounds were high in farmers and females. Conclusion In this study, majority of the poisoning were attempts of intentional self harm. Agriculture workers and females are high risk groups and may be associated with the fact that they have easy access to the poison. Interventions directed towards health education, counseling, and enforcement of laws restricting the availability and use of harmful pesticides may help in reducing such events in future. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i2.6284Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(2):31-4