A study on the prevalence and awareness of hypertension among women in the reproductive age group and the factors contributing to it in a rural area of Jorhat district, Assam

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has been identified as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing nations. Prevalence is seen to be increasing in the rural areas, especially among the females in the reproductive age group. The prevalence of hypertension is found to be high in Assam, while the awareness is quite low thus necessitating a study in this regard.Methods: A total of 400 women in the reproductive age group were selected from Bagchung block, Jorhat by Simple Random Sampling. They were interviewed and their blood pressure was measured along with some anthropometric variables. Classification of hypertension was done as per the US Seventh Joint National Committee (JNC 7) report on the prevention, evaluation and treatment of high BP.Results: A total of 23.5% prevalence of hypertension was found among the study subjects. 44.5% of the total was in the pre hypertensive stage. 77% of them had heard of hypertension while only 20% were aware of its side effects. Extra salt intake, family history and underlying medical conditions were the major risk factors.Conclusions: Knowledge, awareness on hypertension in women in this part of the district is poor and the prevalence is high and their life style practices are grossly contributing to it. Therefore, efforts should be geared towards improving the levels of awareness of the women regarding hypertension and the risk factors.