KUMJ | VOL. 10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL-SEP, 2012
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among People Aged 50 years and more in Banepa Municipality, Nepal
Manandhar K, Koju R, Sinha NP, Humagain S
Abstract: Background
Hypertension 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.
Objective
The 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.
Methods
It 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.
Results
The 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.
Conclusion
These 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.
Keyword : Associated risk factors, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, prevalence
