RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION AMONG TREATED ADULTS RESIDING IN AN URBAN AREA OF KERALA- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Jayasree Chandrasekharan Nair Saradamma, Athira Thekke Kottarath, Ankitha Saleem, Asha Thulaseedharan Jaya, Aleesha Thaj

BACKGROUND Non communicable disease control involves not only intake of medications, but also a substantial change in the life style of the patient. This is absolutely true regarding hypertension. In this study, we attempted to find out the proportion of patients with uncontrolled hypertension in spite of taking treatment, among adults residing in Kollam municipal corporation area. An exploration into the risk factors which are associated with non-control of hypertension even though they have been diagnosed as hypertensives and were under treatment was also done. The findings may throw light over the deficiencies in the modalities undertaken to treat hypertension as it is done presently. The objectives of the study were- 1) to determine the proportion of uncontrolled hypertensives among treated adults residing in an urban area of Kerala. 2) to identify the risk factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in the above population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted during the months of February & March of 2017. The study area included 5 wards in the Kollam Municipal Corporation area. The study subjects included 300 individuals above 18 years of age, residing in the study area. RESULTS The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 40% in the study area. 27% were identified as pre-hypertensives. Of the previously diagnosed hypertensives undergoing treatment, 68.3% were found to have uncontrolled hypertension. Higher age (p<0.05), sedentary lifestyle (p<0.05), regular intake of alcohol (p<0.05), stress (p<0.001), dyslipidaemia (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (p<0.05), family history of hypertension(p<0.01) and family history of first degree relative dying before the age of 40 years following Coronary Artery Disease were found to be significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. CONCLUSION The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension is high even among patients on treatment (68.3%). Programmes focusing on ensuring compliance of hypertensives on treatment regarding life style modification should receive equal importance as drug compliance.

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