Awareness of Hypertension amongst Urban and Rural Areas of District Lucknow, India

Abstract

Background: The existing data suggests increase in prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension in developing countries. The percentage of awareness of hypertension and its treatment is unacceptably low in the Indian adult population.

Objectives: Prevalence, awareness and adequate treatment of hypertension amongst adults in rural and urban areas of District Lucknow was studied.

Methods: The community based cross sectional study involved a survey of 337 male and 416 female respondents, aged 18 years and above using stratified random sampling and Probability Proportionate to Size technique. A structured pretested schedule was used to collect data regarding demographic characteristics, awareness and treatment of hypertension. Chi- square test, Gaussian test, Students t test and ANOVA were used to analyze data.

Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be higher in urban areas (30.8%) than rural areas (20.9%). One hundred and three (52.82%) of 195 hypertensives knew of their hypertensive status and 26 (13.33%) hypertensives were taking adequate treatment/advice. The mean systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure patterns were found to be higher in urban respondents, female gender and with increase in age.

Conclusions: Early detection of hypertension can be facilitated by periodic screening of the people regularly. Counseling of the hypertensives on life style modification and its role in controlling hypertension should be emphasized.