Risk Factors In Rural Communities Research Articles

Seroepidemiological surveillance, community perceptions and associated risk factors of malaria exposure among forest-goers in Northeastern Thailand.

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Thailand. Continuous assessment and understanding of the behavior and perceptions related to malaria exposure in the high-risk group are necessary to achieve the elimination goal. This study aimed to investigate the parasite prevalence, seroprevalence rate, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), and malaria risk factors in rural communities living close to a forested area in the northeastern part of Thailand. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three forest-goer communities (i.e., Ban Khok, Ban Koh, and Dong Yang) located in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan Province, Thailand, from July to August 2019. Demographic, socioeconomic information and KAP data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Parasite prevalence was determined by microscopy. Seroprevalence was determined via ELISA using two Plasmodium falciparum (PfAMA-1 and PfMSP-119) and two Plasmodium vivax (PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119) antigens. Age-adjusted antibody responses were analyzed using a reversible catalytic model to calculate seroconversion rate (SCR). Malaria parasite was not detected in any of the 345 participants. The overall malaria seroprevalence was 72.2% for PfAMA-1, 18.8% for PfMSP-119, 32.5% for PvAMA-1, and 4.4% for PvMSP-119. The proportion of seroprevalence for P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens was significantly highest in Ban Koh (35.1%, P < 0.001) and Don Yang (18.8%, P < 0.001), respectively. For all parasite antigens except PvMSP-119, the proportion of seropositive individuals significantly increased with age (P < 0.001). Based on the SCRs, there was a higher level of P. falciparum transmission than P. vivax. Regarding KAP, almost all respondents showed adequate knowledge and awareness about malaria. Nevertheless, significant effort is needed to improve positive attitudes and practices concerning malaria prevention measures. Multivariate regression analyses showed that living in Ban Koh was associated with both P. falciparum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.87, P < 0.001) and P. vivax (aOR 9.78, P < 0.001) seropositivities. We also found significant associations between age and seropositivity against P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens. The data suggest that seroepidemiological surveillance using AMA-1 and MSP-119 antigens may provide further evidence to reconstruct malaria exposure history. The absence of weak evidence of recent malaria transmission in Mukdahan Province is promising in the context of the disease elimination program.

Association of Agriculture Occupational Exposure With Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in South Indian Villages: REDSI Study.

There has been a huge increase in diabetes and its associated cardiovascular complications over the last decade, predominantly in the middle- and low-income countries. In these countries, the majority live in rural areas. The Rural Epidemiology of Diabetes in South India (REDSI) study was aimed to analyze the prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, and its complications in rural farming and non-farming villages in Tamil Nadu, South India. A research survey on the prevalence of self-reported diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, alcohol and tobacco use) and agricultural occupational exposure was executed among 106,111 people from 61 villages in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India, during 2015–2018. Overall, we observed a diabetes prevalence of 11.9% in rural South India. A nearly two-fold higher prevalence of diabetes was observed among the farming community (15.0%) compared to that among the non-farming population (8.7%). Logistic regression analyses revealed a strong association with agrochemical exposure (P < 0.0001) and diabetes prevalence among rural farming people. Our survey indicates a high prevalence of diabetes in rural South India particularly among the farming community. This survey in conjunction with other epidemiological and experimental studies raises the need for understanding the etiology of diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors in rural communities.

Knowledge regarding lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors in rural community

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, making it a major public health problem in Bangladesh also. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Joykhali village, Batiaghata upazilla in Khulna district from January to December 2019 to assess the level of knowledge regarding lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors in rural community. A total of 288 people were selected from each house by conveniently. Data were collected by using pre tested semi-structured questionnaire with face-to-face interview. Out of the 288 respondents, 43 (14.9%) had good knowledge while others had average (n=211, 73.3%) and poor (n=34, 11.8%) knowledge regarding risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Only 25 (8.7%) respondents had good knowledge while others had average (n=190, 66.0%) and poor (n=73, 25.3%) knowledge regarding sign and symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Majority of the respondents (61.1%) had good knowledge while others had average (n=105, 36.5%) and poor (n=7, 2.4%) knowledge regarding prevention of cardiovascular disease. There is an apparent need to establish more wide-spread and effective educational intervention, which should be sensitive to the abilities of targeted individuals.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Dysfunction in Rural West Elderly Texans.

Background:The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction increases in elderly due to cardiovascular disease related risk factors in rural communities like West Texas.Objective:The purpose of this study was to find risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related to cognitive dysfunction and their impact on elderly adults in rural West Texans.Methods:Statistical methods such as Pearson’s chi-squared and a multinomial logistic regression were utilized to analyze data. We used SPSS software to detect and understand the nature of the risk factors.Results:A summary of statistics was obtained by using Pearson’s chi-squared test for categorical variables. CVD, diabetes mellitus, and depression were significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction for both males and females (p = 0.0001), whereas anxiety was found to be significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction for females (p = 0.0001). Age group and race/ethnicity were significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction for both males and females (p = 0.0001). By performing a multinomial logistic regression method and controlling for confounders, the significant risk factors (p < 0.05)— age (65– 84 years), diabetes, and memory loss for age-associated cognitive impairment; diabetes for cognitive impairment no dementia; age (65– 84, ≥85 years), CVD, diabetes, depression, memory loss, non-Hispanic Whites, and Black/African-Americans for mild cognitive impairment; and age, memory loss, non-Hispanic Whites, Black/African-Americans, and male gender were found for dementia.Conclusion:CVD related risk factors in developing cognitive dysfunction exist and integrating such risk variables may guide relevant policy interventions to reduce Alzheimer’s incidence or dementia in rural communities in West Texans.

Clonorchis sinensis in rural communities in northern Vietnam and associated risk factors

Background: Clonorchis sinensis is an important fish-borne small liver fluke, that is a listed carcinogen for humans. Approximately 1 million people are infected with small liver flukes in Vietnam. In order for control programmes to be successful, it is essential to identify highly endemic areas and unravel risk factors associated with C. sinensis infection; however, a comprehensive study investigating risk factors for C. sinensis infection in Vietnam is lacking up to now. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of C. sinensis infection and associated risk factors in rural communities in northern Vietnam. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 communes in Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa provinces where C. sinensis infection is known to be present and raw fish consumption is common. A total of 841 residents over 6 years old were recruited for coprological examination, and 757 participants over 15 years old participated in a questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and practices with regard to C. sinensis infection. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were run to identify risk factors for infection with C. sinensis. Results: The prevalence of C. sinensis infection was 40.4% with commune prevalence estimates ranging between 26.5% and 53.3%. In the final multivariable model, males (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.31–3.05), people between 19 and 39 years old (OR 6.46; 95%CI 1.25–33.37), with low education level (OR 5.57; 95% CI 2.37–13.07), lack of treatment (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.15–2.89), use of an unhygienic toilet (OR 2.74, 95%CI 1.53–4.92), and especially recent (i.e. last year) consumption of raw fish (OR 8.00, 95% CI 4.78–13.36), had significantly higher odds for C. sinensis infection. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of C. sinensis infection in rural communities in northern Vietnam due to variety of factors. Hence, control measures including mass drug administration should be applied for those communes to reduce the prevalence. Moreover, targeted awareness campaigns should be implemented for groups-at-risk in C. sinensis endemic areas.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Clonorchis sinensis infections in rural communities in northern Vietnam.

BackgroundClonorchiasis, caused by the fish-borne trematode Clonorchis sinensis, is a neglected tropical disease and a public health issue in endemic countries. In Vietnam, an in-depth analysis of risk factors for the condition is missing up to now. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. sinensis infection and associated risk factors in rural communities in northern Vietnam.Methodology/Principal findingsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 communes in Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa provinces where clonorchiasis is known to be present and raw fish consumption is a common. Using a simple random sampling approach, stool was collected from 841 participants over 6 years old for coprological examination, and a questionnaire measured knowledge, attitudes, and practices with regard to clonorchiasis in 757 participants over 15 years old. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were run to identify risk factors for infection with C. sinensis. The overall prevalence of C. sinensis infection was 40.4%, with commune prevalences ranging between 26.5% and 53.3%. In the final model, males were significantly more likely to be infected with C. sinensis (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.31–3.05). Recent (i.e. last year) consumption of raw fish (OR 8.00, 95% CI 4.78–13.36), low education level (OR 5.57; 95% CI 2.37–13.07), lack of treatment (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.15–2.89), being between 19 to 39 years old (OR 6.46; 95% CI 1.25–33.37), and the presence of an unhygienic toilet (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.53–4.92) were significantly associated with C. sinensis infection.Conclusion/SignificanceThis study demonstrated a high prevalence of C. sinensis infection in rural communities in northern Vietnam. Thus, control measures including, mass drug administration for those communes should be applied to reduce the prevalence. Moreover, specific health education activities should be developed for risk groups in C. sinensis endemic areas.

Prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in rural community of Barabanki

Background: Hypertension is one of the most important non-communicable diseases. Although high blood pressure is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the prevalence of hypertension still remains unclear for most populations. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in rural area of Faizabad and to identify the associated risk factors for hypertension.Methods: This community-based cross sectional study was carried out among 300 adults from a randomly selected village in rural health training centre, Safdarganj who were aged 18 years and above over a period of 3 months from March 2019 to May 2019. Participants were interviewed and examined for the assessment of socio-demographic detail, behavioral and lifestyle risk factors of hypertension. Template generated in MS excel sheet and analysis was done on SPSS software.Results: Among 300 study participants, 45.3% were male and 54.7% were female. The prevalence of hypertension was observed to be 10.33%. It was found to be more common in females. Prevalence increased as the age increased. The prevalence of hypertension was high among obese and those consuming more than 2 spoons of salt every day.Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension is different in different parts of the country. Higher age, male sex, tobacco use, obesity, less physical activity and high salt intake are significantly associated with hypertension.

Burden of Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors in Rural Communities of Abuja

Burden of Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors in Rural Communities of Abuja

Estimation of prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease in a rural population in Howrah, West Bengal

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death globally in both developed and developing countries. Coronary artery disease which was once thought to be a disease of the urban population is now involving the rural community in an increased number. So a study of major coronary risk factors in rural communities will help to adopt various strategies particularly behavior change and communication relevant for these communities to prevent these risk factors and lower CAD related mortality and morbidity. Objective was to estimate rates of the various risk factors for CAD and identify the high-risk groups in the rural community.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out in a rural area in the Howrah district of West Bengal. Four hundred and eighteen (418) persons (212 males and 206 females) were subjected to study using structured, pretested and predesigned schedule. Coronary artery disease risk factors were assessed. Statistical analysis was done with the help of statistical software, the SPSS 20.0 for windows.Results: The study observed that prevalence of tobacco use among the study population was the most significant risk factor (42.3%). The prevalence of other coronary risk factors ranged from 10-20%. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption and sedentary life style were significantly more amongst males. Whereas truncal obesity and systolic hypertension more among females.Conclusions: Various comprehensive strategies particularly behavior change and communication targeting these high risk population need to be emphasized to lower CAD related morbidity burden in the community.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with prehypertension and hypertension among attendants of patients at a rural tertiary care institute of Haryana

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is the leading risk factor for death and disability globally and disproportionately impacts low-and middle-income countries. HTN is present in 25% of urban and 10% of rural subjects in India. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of pre-HTN and HTN among the attendants of patients at a rural tertiary care institute of Haryana.Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. A total of 309 attendants of patients were enrolled for this study. Diagnosis of pre-HTN and HTN was done on the basis of seventh joined national committee guidelines. Data were collected on a semi-structured proforma and were analysed by using R software.Results: The prevalence of pre-HTN and HTN was 18.4% and 21.4% respectively. Both the pre-HTN and HTN were significantly higher in males (p=0.002) and in the age group of 45 to 55 years (p&lt;0.001). The multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that sex, age &gt;55 years and BMI &gt;23 kg/m2 were significantly associated with pre-HTN and HTN.Conclusions: The prevalence of both prehypertension and hypertension is high in rural Haryana. This makes the people of this area vulnerable to several chronic diseases. The findings warrant urgent measures to lower the risk factors in rural communities. So, programs are needed to improve the surveillance systems and implementation of community based screening programs for early detection of hypertension.

Assessing the Magnitude and Risk Factors Associated With Undiagnosed Hypertension in Rural Rwanda

Individuals living with hypertension are predisposed to higher risk of stroke, kidney diseases and heart failure. Approximately 9.4 million people worldwide die from complications related to hypertension every year. Hypertension is often known as the silent killer because many people do not develop any symptoms until they get very sick. Early screening is particularly important for better treatment outcomes yet it remains a challenge in many countries. Worldwide, approximately 50% of people are living with undiagnosed hypertension. In Rwanda, the rate of undiagnosed hypertension is unknown, and so are the associated risk factors in rural communities. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to determine the rate and risk factors of undiagnosed hypertension among adults in a rural community in Rwanda. The proportion of people having undiagnosed hypertension was found to be high. Out of 155 study participants, 41.9% had undiagnosed hypertension, with slightly more men having hypertension (52.3%) than women (47.7%). More than 98% of respondents either did not know or knew wrong information about hypertension, and only 3% knew they should have regular checkups with physicians. Age (p=0.027) and alcohol consumption (p=0.014) were found to be statistically significantly associated with hypertension. Smoking and exercise were not found to be risk factors as most Rwandans living in the rural areas are physically active. Programs to promote hypertension awareness, encourage regular physical checkups, and reduce alcohol consumption are needed to improve diagnosis and control of hypertension in Rwanda. Community programs offering free regular blood pressure checks may also be helpful in identifying early hypertension. Larger scale studies of this kind should be conducted to understand whether results can be generalized to other areas of Rwanda.

Epidemiology of confirmed coronary heart disease among population older than 60 years in rural central India—A community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThree-fifths of total deaths in India are attributed to noncommunicable diseases, and coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the dominant causes. There are only few studies available in India to find confirmed CHD by pragmatic approach. This study aims to find prevalence of confirmed CHD and its risk factors in rural community of central India. Materials and methodsThis was a community-based cross-sectional study during 2013–2014 involving adults ≥60 years from 13 villages in rural central India. We screened CHD on the basis of history and standard 12-lead ECG. Apart from the past documentation of CHD, we diagnosed confirmed CHD in symptomatic patients or with resting ECG changes by means of echocardiography, exercise ECG test or coronary angiography whenever needed. ResultsWe screened 1190 of 1415 individuals ≥60 years for CHD. Five hundred eighty were men and 610 were women. Diagnosis of CHD was confirmed in 61 individuals (29 men and 32 women). The prevalence of CHD in individuals older than 60 years was 51.3 per 1000 population. Hypertension was the only independent risk factor associated with CHD, whereas association of diabetes mellitus, obesity, socioeconomic status and smoking with CHD was not significant. ConclusionPrevalence of confirmed CHD has increased in agrarian rural community in central India, which requires further studies to find out causative factors.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Prevalence and ItsRisk Factors in Rural Bangladesh

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a global disease, and evidence suggests that its prevalence is increasing. Prevalence estimates show considerable geographic variation.According to WHO, prevalence of GERD in far EastAsia currently consistently lower than 10%,which is 8-20% in India. No such population based dataare available in Bangladesh. Thus, the studywas designed to determine the prevalence of GERD and its risk factors inrural community of Bangladesh.This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried outfrom January to June 2015 by using validated questionnaire through door to door interview among randomly selected 2000 participants in a rural communityof Bangladesh. A cutoff point 3 was chosen as a valid and reliable scale to confirm GERD. Among the study participants, 1212 were male and 788 were female.Their average age range was 18 to 60 years. A total of 136 participants were found to have GERD symptoms and among them 43 were men and 93 were women. Thus, the prevalence of GERD in the study was 6.8%. GERD was highly associated with higher age group, women, Muslims, and participants withdiabetes mellitus, asthma and overweight.Prevalence of GERD in rural community of Bangladesh is lower than that of the western world.For a better understanding on GERD, it is important that a study should be carried in a representative samples across Bangladesh.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2018; 44(1):45-51

Rural CTCA: Effectively Managing the Tyranny of Distance

Australian health care systems must service a sparse population across vast distances. Despite recent improvements, geographic isolation, health-literacy, income level, and the higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in rural communities contribute to the persisting disparity between rural and urban populations [1Murphy G.K. McAlister F.A. Weir D.L. Tjosvold L. Eurich D.T. Cardiovascular medication utilization and adherence among adults living in rural and urban areas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Public Health. 2014; 14: 544Crossref PubMed Scopus (25) Google Scholar, 2Ranasinghe I. Turnbull F. Tonkin A. Clark R.A. Coffee N. Brieger D.B. Comparative effectiveness of population interventions to improve access to reperfusion for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction in Australia.Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. 2012; 5: 429-436Crossref PubMed Scopus (24) Google Scholar]. Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) have not previously been described in a rural population. In this study of 1,492 patients undergoing CTCA in regional NSW, we examined the contribution of distance from cardiology services on the severity of coronary artery disease, measured by CACS, as well as time to percutaneous intervention (PCI). Our study captured all CTCAs performed in the Riverina since introduction of the service in 2012. Patients were excluded if they resided outside of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District or had undergone previous stents or CABG. Spearman's rank correlations demonstrated positive correlations between distance from cardiology services and CACS (rs = 0.082; n = 1472; p = -0.001) and distance and degree of stenosis on CTCA (rs = 0.055; n = 1450; p = 0.036). There was no correlation between distance and time to invasive angiography. Although patients residing further from cardiology services present with higher CACS, this has not translated into a delay of invasive angiography, nor an increase in adverse events. These data support the use of CTCA in rural areas as an effective tool for the investigation of CAD.

School-based prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors in rural communities of Sana'a, Yemen

Yemen is a developing country overwhelmed with a triad of poverty, diseases and social conflicts. Moreover, the majority of its population live in rural communities and suffer from intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). Therefore, the present school-based, cross-sectional survey aimed to detect the prevalence of such infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in the rural communities of Bani Alharith, Hamdan and Bani Hushaysh districts of Sana'a, north of Yemen. Socio-demographic data and certain behavioral risk factors as well as stool samples were collected from 1218 schoolchildren from ten randomly schools in the study area. Fresh stool samples were examined for parasites by direct saline and iodine preparations and after concentration with formol-ether technique. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 54.8%, with a higher frequency of protozoal than helminthic infections (37.6 vs. 17.2%, respectively). Parasite species recovered were Entameba histolytica (21.5%), Giardia lamblia (16.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.3%), Hymenolepis nana (5.3%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.6%), Trichuris trichiura (0.5%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%). Univariate analysis showed that the male gender and illiteracy of fathers and/or mothers were the socio-demographic factors significantly associated with higher infection rates. The illiteracy of mothers was also confirmed as an independent risk factor by multivariable analysis. On the other hand, not washing hands before eating, not washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, eating uncovered food and not clipping fingernails were the risk behaviors significantly associated with higher infection rates, with the last three ones being confirmed as independent risk factors. Therefore, control measures should include regular treatment of protozoal infections and deworming of schoolchildren, promotion of hygiene in rural schools through health education programs, regular inspection of schoolchildren for personal hygiene practices and the provision of a healthy school infrastructure.

A Descriptive Study of Health, Lifestyle and Sociodemographic Characteristics and their Relationship to Known Dementia Risk Factors in Rural Victorian Communities

It is essential to determine the key health risk factors among populations to specifically plan future services and explore interventions that modify risk factors for communities. This aims to reduce risks and delay the onset of chronic conditions, which frequently results in dementia, particularly for small rural communities which experience health workforce shortages, a higher proportion of those in the chronic conditions age group, and reduced access to care. The aim of the study was to determine existing rates of chronic disease, and current lifestyle and sociodemographic factors which may predispose the population to higher risk of dementia. Residents from three shires in rural Victoria, Australia were recruited by random and non-random sampling techniques to complete a survey regarding health perceptions, pre-existing illnesses, health behaviors and social activity in their community. A total of 1474 people completed the survey. Positive factors reported were social participation and low rates of smoking. Negative factors included low rates of physical activity, high rates of obesity and high rates of chronic conditions that indicate significant risk factors for dementia in these communities. Although some factors are modifiable, these communities also have a large population of older residents. This study suggests that community interventions could modify lifestyle risk factors in these rural communities. These lifestyle factors, age of residents and the current chronic conditions are also important for rural service planning to increase preventive actions, and warn of the likely increase in the number of people developing chronic conditions with predispositon to dementia.

Urbanicity and lifestyle risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

Urban living is associated with unhealthy lifestyles that can increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the majority of people live in rural areas, it is still unclear if there is a corresponding increase in unhealthy lifestyles as rural areas adopt urban characteristics. This study examines the distribution of urban characteristics across rural communities in Uganda and their associations with lifestyle risk factors for chronic diseases. Using data collected in 2011, we examined cross-sectional associations between urbanicity and lifestyle risk factors in rural communities in Uganda, with 7,340 participants aged 13 y and above across 25 villages. Urbanicity was defined according to a multi-component scale, and Poisson regression models were used to examine associations between urbanicity and lifestyle risk factors by quartile of urbanicity. Despite all of the villages not having paved roads and running water, there was marked variation in levels of urbanicity across the villages, largely attributable to differences in economic activity, civil infrastructure, and availability of educational and healthcare services. In regression models, after adjustment for clustering and potential confounders including socioeconomic status, increasing urbanicity was associated with an increase in lifestyle risk factors such as physical inactivity (risk ratio [RR]: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.24), low fruit and vegetable consumption (RR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.23), and high body mass index (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.77). This study indicates that even across rural communities in SSA, increasing urbanicity is associated with a higher prevalence of lifestyle risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. This finding highlights the need to consider the health impact of urbanization in rural areas across SSA. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Sociodemographic correlates of modifiable risk factors for hypertension in a rural local government area of oyo state South west Nigeria.

Modifiable risk factors of hypertension contribute significantly to all-cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of and the association of modifiable risk factors with hypertension in rural community. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 166 male and 201 female adults of 18 years and above using cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using modified WHO STEPS instrument and hypertensive subjects were defined as those with systolic greater than or equal to 140 and diastolic of 90 mmHg. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 17 with level of significance at P < 0.05. The mean age of the subjects was 36.36 (±16.88) years and mean systolic and diastolic pressures were 124 (±16.93) and 76.32 (±11.85) mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was high (22.9%) in this rural communities but awareness was low, 10.71%. The prevalence of alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, abnormal weight, inadequate sleep, smoking, significant stress, and female use of hormonal contraceptives was 149 (40.6%), 91 (24.8%), 88 (24.0%), 122 (33.2%), 14 (3.8%), 65 (17.7%), and 53 (26.5%), respectively. Overweight, sex, inadequate sleep, and stress were established as positive predictors of hypertension. The rising prevalence of hypertension and its modifiable risk factors in rural communities require prompt interventions directed at reversing these trends.

Study on the prevalence rate of abdominal obesity in 9 rural communities from Hanzhong area of Shaanxi province

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate of abdominal obesity and to explore the associated risk factors in rural communities from Hanzhong area, Shaanxi province, and to provide baseline data for further targeted intervention programs. A cross-sectional study was conducted among all the participants with questionnaires, interview and physical examination. Nine townships were selected in Hanzhong area, followed by one village randomly chosen from the selected township, using the stratified random sampling method. There were 3030 participants in this survey, among which 3021 samples were valid, including 1048 males and 1973 females. The overall prevalence rate of abdominal obesity was 38.9% (standardized rate as 33.4%) in rural communities of Hanzhong, and the prevalence rate on males abdominal obesity (35.0%) was significantly lower than that of females (40.9%). It was found that following factors as: being male, married, having more household wealth, frequent consumption of fried food, non-engagement of agricultural labor work, being nonsmoker or ex-smoker, spending longer time on watching-TV etc. were positively associated with the bigger odds of having abdominal obesity when using the logistic regression analysis. Meanwhile, data from this study indicated that factors as: at younger age, frequent participation in agricultural labor, under artificial feeding, with more years of education, less frequency of pregnancy etc. were negatively related to the prevalence of female abdominal obesity. The prevalence rate of abdominal obesity in Hanzhong area, Shaanxi province was significantly higher than the national average level which called for the development of related intervention programs to prevent chronic diseases associated with gender related-obesity in Hanzhong.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in a rural district of Beijing, China: a population-based survey of 58,308 residents

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global disease burden. Although stroke was thought to be more prevalent than coronary heart disease (CHD) in Chinese, the epidemic pattern might have been changed in some rural areas nowadays. This study was to estimate up-to-date prevalence of CVD and its risk factors in rural communities of Fangshan District, Beijing, China.MethodsA cross-sectional population survey was carried out by stratified cluster sampling. A total of 58,308 rural residents aged over 40 years were surveyed by face-to-face interview and physical examination during 2008 and 2010. The standardized prevalence was calculated according to adult sample data of China's 5th Population Census in 2000, and the adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) was calculated for the association of CHD/stroke with its cardiovascular risk factors in multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsAge- and sex-standardized prevalence was 5.6% for CHD (5.2% in males and 5.9% in females), higher than the counterpart of 3.7% (4.7% in males and 2.6% in females) for stroke. Compared with previous studies, higher prevalence of 7.7%, 47.2%, 53.3% in males and 8.2%, 44.8%, 60.7% in females for diabetes, hypertension and overweight/obesity were presented accordingly. Moreover, adjusted POR (95% confidence interval) of diabetes, obesity, stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension for CHD as 2.51 (2.29 to 2.75), 1.53 (1.38 to 1.70), 1.13 (1.02 to 1.26) and 1.35 (1.20 to 1.52), and for stroke as 2.24 (1.98 to 2.52), 1.25 (1.09 to 1.44), 1.44 (1.25 to 1.66) and 1.70 (1.46 to 1.98) were shown respectively in the multivariate logistic regression models.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of CVD and probably changed epidemic pattern in rural communities of Beijing, together with the prevalent cardiovascular risk factors and population aging, might cause public health challenges in rural Chinese population.