PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS RESIDING IN URBAN SLUMS: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Hypertension; Urban slums; Prevalence; Risk factors; Cross-sectional study; India; Non-communicable diseases
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Urban slum populations are particularly vulnerable due to adverse socio-economic conditions and a high prevalence of behavioral risk factors. However, data on hypertension in such settings remain limited.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and identify its determinants among adults residing in urban slums attached to a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to October 2021 among 400 adults aged ≥18 years. Participants were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, along with anthropometric measurements and blood pressure assessment using standard protocols. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medication. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were applied to identify determinants. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 28%. Hypertension was significantly associated with age ≥45 years, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, inadequate physical activity, and BMI ≥25 kg/m² (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥45 years (AOR: 3.2), inadequate physical activity (AOR: 2.1), BMI ≥25 kg/m² (AOR: 1.9), alcohol use (AOR: 1.8), and tobacco use (AOR: 1.6) were independent predictors of hypertension.
Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent among urban slum populations, with multiple modifiable risk factors contributing to its occurrence. Strengthening community-based screening and promoting healthy lifestyle practices are essential for effective prevention and control. Integration with existing public health programs can improve early detection and management in such vulnerable settings.
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Dr Preeti Usha
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Varun Arjun Medical College, Sahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr Neha Jain
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, S R M Medical College, Potheri, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr Sushil Kumar Singh
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, S R M Medical College, Potheri, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr Rajat Gupta
Post Graduate Student, Department of Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
