Abstract
To estimate sex-specific prevalence and associated socio-economic, demographic, and lifestyle risk factors of hypertension in India. We used data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) of 2015–16. The analysis based on 6,99,686 women (15–49 years) and 1,12,122 men (15–54 years) whose blood pressure (BP) were measured during the survey. Bivariate distribution was used to show the prevalence of hypertension and, maps were used to present its spatial patterns. Logistic regression model was used to identify sex-specific association between risk factors and hypertension. Results show that the overall prevalence of hypertension was 16.32% among men and 11.56% among women. We also found that the prevalence of hypertension across selected socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle background characteristics and in a majority of the states was higher among men compared to women. Odds ratios from logistic regression analysis direct sex-related differences in risk factors. Hypertension increases with an increase in age and the risk is higher among older women (AOR, 5.58; 95% CI, 5.16–6.03 for women aged 40–49 and AOR, 4.24; 95% CI, 3.94–4.57 for men aged 50–54) compared to men. Education, types of jobs (specially technical, administrative and managerial), marital status and non-vegetarian diet were significantly associated with hypertension in men. While other than age; non-working, consumption of alcohol, and being a diabetic was found to be major risk factors for this disease among women. There are sex-related differences in prevalence as well as risk factors of hypertension in India. In order to prevent early developments of hypertension, awareness related to changing lifestyles such as a diet rich in fruits, vegetables as well as screening to control BP should be promoted among youths and adults in India. The study also recommends sex-specific approaches in health infrastructure and policies besides increasing public awareness.
Highlights
It shows that older adults (40–54 years) had the highest prevalence (24.19% for women and 28.39% for men) and it was nearly double compared to younger agegroups (25–39 years)
We found that the prevalence of hypertension was higher among urban residents (12.29% for women and 17.82% for men) compared to their rural counterparts
The prevalence of hypertension by type of occupation found to be high among females engaged in the service sector 13.43% and professional males 23.16% compared to their counterparts
Summary
Hypertension or high blood pressure (hereafter BP) as one of the leading risk factors of global disease burden has contributed to a considerable number of premature deaths worldwide [1]. Sex differences in prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in India. It has become a major public health problem as 1 in 4 men, and 1 in 5 women had hypertension worldwide in 2015 [2]. Hypertension is a form of the cardiovascular disorder that results from a wide range of interconnected aetiologies [3]. It is one of the leading risk factors for chronic heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. Untreated and uncontrolled hypertension leads to structural and functional abnormalities of the cardiovascular system and harm other vital organs of the body such as kidney, and brain resulting kidney failure, blindness, rupture of blood vessels and cognitive impairment [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
