Publication:

Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors in a rural village of district Raigad in Maharashtra: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality globally. Rural areas of India are increasingly experiencing a rising burden due to epidemiological transition, lifestyle changes and population ageing. Reliable district-level data are essential to guide targeted public health interventions under national non-communicable disease control programs.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to July 2023 among 302 adults aged ≥30 years in Poyanje and Poyanje-wadi villages, Raigad district, Maharashtra. Participants were selected by random household sampling. Blood pressure was measured using a validated digital sphygmomanometer and the average reading was recorded. Socio-demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle-related risk factors were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate analysis used the Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of hypertension.

Results The prevalence of hypertension was 29.8% (95% CI: 24.6–35.0). Among participants, 19.5% were newly diagnosed and 10.3% were known cases. Prevalence increased significantly with age (p=0.003). Independent predictors included age 45–59 years (AOR 2.25), age ≥60 years (AOR 7.11), very high waist circumference (AOR 3.16) and smoking (AOR 3.83).

Conclusions Nearly one-third of adults in this rural population were hypertensive, with many newly diagnosed. Advancing age, central obesity, clustering of NCD risk factors and smoking were significant determinants. Strengthening community-based screening, early detection and lifestyle modification strategies should be prioritized.