A cross-sectional study of predictors of hypertension among tribal women in Western Maharashtra
Background: Hypertension is a major public health problem and also major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence and severity of hypertension increases with age, and it becomes difficult to control blood pressure with increasing age particularly in women. Thus present study aims to explores the risk factors contributing for hypertension among women.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre of Community Medicine Department for one month duration September to October 2017. All the women reporting to general OPD for routine visit to RHTC were included. Informed consent was obtained. The participants who were already known hypertensives and were already on medication were excluded. Total 200 subjects were included in the study. Percentages, chi-square test and P-value were calculated using Epi Info software.Results: Out of total 200 women maximum were in the age group of 40-60 years (64%) followed by (22.5%)in 60-70 years. 40% of women were found to be normotensive, 16% were in stage one 12% were in stage two and 32% were showing elevated blood pressure. Hypertension was found to be significantly associated with modifiable risk factors like BMI, physical activity, waist circumference. 66.66% of women who were obese were found to be hypertensive. 91.91% of women who had family history of hypertension were themselves hypertensive and 97 (48.5%) women who had diabetes out of them 82.47% were both diabetic as well as hypertensive.Conclusions: Screening, detection and treatment of NCDs, are key components of the response to non-communicable diseases.