Background: Hypertension is an important global health issue of the 21^st century, which has developed together with rapid economic growth, urbanization, aging population, changing life style and other unhealthy behaviours. The rising burden is big concern especially in rural areas due to unawareness about screening and inadequate approach to health care resources. The present study was planned to measure the prevalence of hypertension and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors in rural population of Jaipur.

Material and Methods: This cross sectional, community based study was conducted in the rural field practice area of MGMC, Jaipur. A total 1700 adult participants, aged between 18 to 60 years were enrolled by systemic random sampling method. All the participants were personally contacted in their house, interviewed and examined using predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Baseline data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, behavioural practices and blood pressure were noted down in proforma. JNC-7 diagnostic criteria (SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP≥ 90 mmHg) was used for hypertension. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-Square test by using SPSS version 17.

Results: The prevalence of hypertension in our study population was 14.24%. Increasing age, illiteracy, higher SES, sedentary occupation, reduced physical activity, excess intake of salt, family history of hypertension and consumption of tobacco and alcohol were found to be significant risk factor for hypertension.

Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension among adults in rural field practice area is relatively high. Urgent attention is required to arrest its rising trends, by raising public awareness and identifying it at an early stage and its related factors through primary prevention and further control.

 Keywords: Hypertension, rural population, risk factors.

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Bhardwaj SL

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