Publication:

Prevalence of hypertension and chronic disease awareness in South Kerala: a community-based study

Background Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Adequate awareness of chronic diseases is essential for effective prevention. The objective of the study was to estimate hypertension prevalence and assess awareness regarding chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, COPD) among adults in a Family Adoption Programme (FAP) area in South Kerala.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study included 300 adults (≥18 years) in Thiruvalla Municipality. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and disease knowledge. Blood pressure was measured using standard procedures.

Results The prevalence of hypertension was 32.0% (95% CI: 26.7%-37.3%). Prevalence increased significantly with age (p < 0.001) and was higher among widowed individuals (p=0.011) and Christians (p=0.004). The mean overall knowledge score was 10.44±4.57 (out of 20). Awareness was lowest for COPD. Overall knowledge varied significantly by socio-economic status (p=0.019), but not by hypertension status. Normotensive participants exhibited significantly better diabetes knowledge (p=0.01).

Conclusions A high hypertension prevalence and moderate disease awareness highlight the need for targeted community-based screening and health education, particularly for less-recognized conditions like COPD.