Abstract

Background: Hypertension is the leading health related problem as it occurs in people living in the whole world. Elevated blood pressure is positively correlated to cardiovascular disease and other complications that occur because of it. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to (1) assess the occurrence of hypertension and determine its associated risk factor and to (2) assess the awareness and adherence to antihypertensive medication. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional observation study was conducted in a Tibetan colony of Dehradun. 300 samples were taken by stratified random sampling method. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect data.
Results: The occurrence of hypertension was in 50% sample (female 56.7% and male 43.3%). Out of 300 participants, only 45 (15%) were previously diagnosed with hypertension and were on antihypertensive medication. Risk factors such as increased age, positive family history of hypertension, obesity, and alcohol consumption were associated with the hypertension. About 53% of study participants were aware of hypertension adequately. Most (78%) people who were previously diagnosed with hypertension had poor compliance to restriction of salt in diet, 97% reported reason for not restricting salt was no taste without salt in meal. Poor compliance to drug was observed in 29% with major reason being, forgetfulness (61.5%) and did not want to take (31%). Awareness on hypertension was adequate with 53.7% of study participants. Conclusion: Occurrence of hypertension among Tibetan adults was above 50%. The risk factors of hypertension were increasing age, alcohol consumption, family history of hypertension and obesity. Adherence to antihypertensive medication was poor.