Study on prevalence of hypertension in gazetted officers

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONIt was reported that the prevalence of hypertension is speedily increasing and is one of the leading causes of death and disability in developing countries.1 In India, the prevalence of hypertension is reported as ranging from 10 to 30.9%.2 It seems to be that, the prevalence will increase even further unless broad and effective preventive measures are implemented. Epidemiological studies should be conducted to assess the prevalence of hypertension and to suggest are essential plan for preventive strategies and promote the health.The cause of hypertension is often unknown and high blood pressure of unknown origin is usually referred as essential or primary hypertension. Most investigations consider high blood pressure to be a quantitative deviation from the norm and this view has fostered the epidemiological approach to hypertension, in which the distribution, determinants and development of blood pressure are investigated its approach has lead to the ABSTRACT Background: There was a strong correlation between increase in hypertension and changing lifestyle factors. The problem which lies with the hypertension is that it cannot be cured completely. And its management requires lifelong medication with some life-style modifications. Decreased physical activities coupled with increased mental tension are important contributors of hypertension. They are usually seen amongst employees of the profession where working is typically sedentary. The main objectives were to study on prevalence of hypertension and risk factors among Government Gazetted officers of Maharashtra, India. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried among gazetted officers working in various departments of state Government for a period of one year in Solapur district. 355 Gazetted Government officers of class I & class II cadre were studied. Blood pressure was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Chi-square test was applied to assess risk factors. Results: In present study, the prevalence of hypertension among Gazetted officers was observed 20.28%. There was significant positive association was found between age and prevalence of hypertension. And also it was found significantly higher in men than women. The association between education and hypertension found to be statistically significant (P<0.001), while there was no association between socioeconomic status and hypertension was found (P=0.33). Prevalence of hypertension was noted higher at every level of BMI. Prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in smokers, alcoholic and had significant association (P<0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that, because of high prevalence of hypertension in Gazetted officers, periodically they should be screened for the same.