Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a modern day’s epidemic and is a major public health problem in the developed and developing countries. Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease, and it accounts for large proportion of all cardiovascular deaths and disability worldwide.

Objectives: The objectives are (1) to study the prevalence of hypertension in rural area and (2) to study the various risk factors of hypertension.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to find the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors in the village of Babhaleshwar of Tal Rahata District, Ahmednagar. A total of 1540 participants were examined using systematic random sampling method. Chi-square test and regression analysis were used to analyze data.

Results: A total of 1540 participants were examined out of that 57.14% (880) were males and 42.85% (660) were females. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 11.49% (177) and that of pre-hypertension was 11.42% (176). On multiple regression analysis, body mass index, central obesity, and age were found as significant determinants of hypertension.

Conclusion: The present study showed a higher prevalence of both hypertension and pre-hypertension among the rural population. Hypertension is spreading to rural areas which can be prevented and controlled by simple lifestyle modifications by the means of health education.

Key words: Hypertension; Pre-hypertension; Rural Population; Obesity; Body Mass Index