PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS IN THE URBAN AREA OF JAMNAGAR, GUJARAT, INDIA

Introduction: Reliable information on the prevalence of hypertension is crucial in the development of health policies for the prevention, early diagnosis, and control of this condition. This study describes the prevalence of hypertension among the adult population in the urban area of Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, and identifies correlates associated with it. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Patel colony area of Jamnagar Municipal Corporation. The study included 271 adults who reside in this area and who were 20 years old or older.The subjects were evaluated through one-hour interviews at their homes. After each subject was interviewed, three consecutive blood pressure measurements were conducted. The data were analyzed by proportions, F-ratios, chi-square tests, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Sixty-five of the 271 people (24%) were found to have hypertension. Among the 65 people with hypertension, 54 (83.1%) were aware of their hypertension and were undergoing treatment for the condition. However, among the 54 people being treated, only 31 people (57.4%) had satisfactory control of their hypertension. A higher prevalence of hypertension was found among people who had a BMI greater than 25, were 40 years old or older, had a family history of hypertension, had a history of previous cerebrovascular or cardiovascular events, had diabetes, smoked, drank alcoholic beverages, and consumed excess salt. A comparatively higher prevalence was found among males, people whose diets were non-vegetarian, people with high saturated fat intake, and people who did not engage in physical exercise. Conclusions: Despite treatment, most of the hypertensives had not achieved satisfactory control of blood pressure. Health education programs are needed to teach the public how to control the various risk factors associated with hypertension.