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.