Prevalence of Hypertension among Urban Adult Population (25-64 years) of Nellore, India

Background: Hypertension is an important public health problem, which is common, asymptomatic, readily detectable, having preventable risk factors and often lead to lethal complications if left untreated. Objectives:To estimate prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in an urban locality, Nellore city during 2008-09. The sample size was 933 in the age group of 25-64years. Simple random sampling method was used for selecting households and one member from each household was selected. Risk factors were recorded. Joint National Committee (JNC) VII criteriawas used to define hypertension Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 29.3 % with 95% CI: 26.4%-32.3% (M: 30.9% & F: 27.7%) The independent risk factors of hypertension were age (OR-1.07), extra salt intake (OR-2.15), vegetable intake less than five serving per day (OR-2.91), high body mass index (OR-2.09), high waist circumference (OR-1.55), and low physical activity (OR-2.68).Conclusion: Policy with multiple integrated approach is needed to detect, treat and prevent, hypertension effectively