Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension is a chronic condition of concern due to its role in the causation of coronary heart disease, stroke and other vascular complications. It is one of the important risk factors for cardio-vascular mortality, accounting for 20-30% of all deaths. Hypertension is an iceberg disease. To address this problem of hypertension, the theme for World Health Day, 2013 was “High Blood Pressure.” Aims & Objectives: To study the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among staff of Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur.
Materials and Methods: On the WORLD Health Day 2013, a hypertension screening camp was organized. A total of 163 teaching and non-teaching staffs actively and voluntarily participated in the camp. Hypertension and its risk factors were assessed using predesigned questionnaire - which included socio-demographic details and their family, dietary and personal history. Height, weight and blood pressure of the study participants were recorded.
Results: Out of 163 participants, 101 (62%) were males and 62 (38%) were females. Majority, 79.1%, had mixed diet, 20.9% were vegetarians, and 18.4% of them added extra salt to the diet. Physical activity level was good among 27%, as they were exercising for ≥ 30minutes in a day. Prevalence of hypertension was 11.7 %, and 9.2% of staff had blood pressure in pre-hypertension range. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension was 11.7%, among which 6.7% were newly detected and 5% were previously diagnosed to have hypertension. Regular screening and health education camp are essential to curtail the rising problem of hypertension.