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Research Article - Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2014) Volume 4, Issue 38
Influence of Stress and Socio Demographic Factors on Hypertension among Urban Adults in North Karnataka
Background: Hypertension, a major public health problem, is directly responsible for 57% of all stroke deaths and 24% of coronary heart disease related deaths in India. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing rapidly in developing countries more in urban areas due to changing life style and increasing longevity.
Objectives Of The Study: 1. To find out the association of hypertension with age, sex, religion, education, occupation and socio economic status. 2. To study the influence of stress on hypertension.
Methodology: Prevalence of hypertension among adults from the previous studies was found to be 35%. Sample size of 713 was calculated using the formula 4pq/L2 with 10% allowable error. Systematic random sampling was used. After taking informed consent, participants were interviewed using a pre tested questionnaire based on WHO STEPS approach for chronic disease risk factor surveillance. Diagnostic criteria (based on JNC VII guidelines) a.SBP ≥140mmHg and/or DBP ≥90mmHg and/or b. Persons already on anti-hypertensive treatment.
Stress- A short 4 item scale was made from (questions 2, 4, 5 and 10) Perceived Stress Scale- 10 item scale and PSS scores are obtained by reversing responses to the two positively stated items. Subjects who had a score of more than 4 were considered as having stress.
Results: The hypertension prevalence was 37.6% .The prevalence increased with age. Males have shown higher prevalence of HTN (49.4%) compared to females (23%). Significant association was observed in people belonging to higher socio-economic class and among literates, more among professionals. A highly significant association was found between stress and hypertension.
Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension among study subjects in urban field practice area is 37.6%. There is significant association of hypertension with age, socio economic status, literately, occupation and stress