Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among People Aged 50 years and more in Banepa Municipality, Nepal

Abstract

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.

Prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in a sub-urban area of central Nepal

“…These associations are well established in various studies conducted at national and international level. 9,10,12,25,[27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Hypertension prevalence increased with advancing age (Table 1) in this study which is consistent with findings from number of other studies. [27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Majority of the respondents (152) in this study were female.…”

“…30,31,37 Although, surplus of evidence from number of research studies points out the possibility of strong association between gender difference and prevalence of hypertension, debates still exists for no such association as well. 9,30,31,36 Family history of hypertension is a well-known risk factor of hypertension, yet in this study no significant association (p=0.080) was found between heredity and hypertension. However, the prevalence of hypertension was found to be slightly higher among those with family history of hypertension (29.4%) compared to those who did not have a family history of hypertension (18%).…”

“…32 Interestingly, in a study by Manandhar et al high prevalence of hypertension was found to be in non-smokers group in comparison to smokers group though the groups were not statistically significant (p=0.196). 9 Increased salt intake more than 5 gram/day is another crucial risk factor of hypertension which has been reported in some studies. 12,28,40 Present study found that adding extra salt in diet has nearly two times likelihood of developing hypertension.…”

“…5 When it comes to Nepal, the prevalence of hypertension in various parts varies between studies which ranged between 3.3% and 44.9%. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Furthermore a repeat cross sectional study done in a rural Kathmandu revealed that prevalence of hypertension tripled from 6% in 1980 to 18% in 2006. 12 This figure indicates that the there is burgeoning burden of hypertension in Nepal.…”

Prevalence of Cardiovascular risk factors among the residents of urban community of Kathmandu municipality

“…Particularly, a moderate increase in body mass index, makes South Asians more prone to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Our study found about 60% of the study populations were obese according to their Body Mass Index (BMI) which also put them at risk of developing cardiovascular disease which is little higher as compared to a study done in Kavre, 17 which showed 54.4%. High WC was prevalent in 66.7% of total respondent which was higher than some other studies done in Nepal but different population groups.…”