Publication:

Prevalence and factors affecting hypertension among old age population in rural area

Background India, in the associated epidemiological transition, is facing a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Old age is not a disease in itself, but the elderly are vulnerable to long term diseases of insidious onset like hypertension. Due to deficit of regular screening and unawareness about complications of long term high blood pressure in old age in rural area the large number of population remain undiagnosed so they might suffer from the long term complications of hypertension. The main objectives of the study were to determine prevalence of hypertension among old age population and to study the factors affecting the hypertension.

Methods It was a cross sectional study conducted in rural area of Vadodara district, Gujarat, India from October 2012 to March 2013. The study participants were old age group population with age more than or equal to 60 completed years. A sample size of 600 was obtained using hypothesis testing method. Using simple random sampling, 6 talukas were selected and from each, 4 villages were chosen. From each village, 25 study participants were included by house to house survey.

Results Prevalence of hypertension was 42.7%, significantly higher in age group more than 80 years (61%) and females (48%). Hypertension was significantly associated with current alcohol and tobacco consumption. Education, living arrangements, marital status and working status were significantly affecting hypertension.

Conclusions Specific screening programmes are needed for early detection and control to avoid further complications. Geriatric health care should be integrated in the general health system up to primary health care level.