Prevalence of hypertension among adults of tribal population in Kolli Hills, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Introduction: Rapid unplanned urbanization, globalization of unhealthy lifestyles and increase in life expectancy has led to increase in prevalence of hypertension, leading to premature death and disability. Despite these changes, still a huge number of people living in isolation as Tribals. The data on hypertension among these tribal people are limited. Hence, this study was attempted.

 Objective: to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and to assess the factors associated with hypertension among adults of tribal population in Kolli Hills, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu

 Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among tribal adults aged 20-60 years in Kolli Hills, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu during May 2017 to June 2017.  Based on Multi- stage sampling technique, those adults satisfying inclusion criteria were selected and Pre-tested, Semi-structured questionnaire was administered using interview technique until sample-size was met. Following this anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were recorded. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 18.

 Results: Out of 1354 study subjects, 656(48.4%) were males and 698(51.6%) were females. The mean age was 43.16 years(SD±11.36). Majority 494(36.5%) studied up to middle school and 984 (72.7%) belonged to Lower Middle Socio-economic Class. Our Study revealed that 374(27.6%) were hypertensive. There was statistically significant association of hypertension with age OR3.74(95%CI 2.90-4.83), male gender OR1.5(95%CI:1.20-1.94), not literate OR1.67(95%CI:1.30-2.14), unemployment OR2.6(95%CI:1.3-5.1), smokeless tobacco consumption OR1.66(95%CI:1.23-2.25), alcohol consumption OR1.3 (95%CI:1.04-1.77), increased BMI OR1.77(95%CI: 1.37-2.28)  and H/O diabetes OR5.4 (95%CI:3.2-9.0).

 Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was 27.6% and hypertension was associated with age, gender, education, occupation, smokeless tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, increased BMI and diabetes.