Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which remains poorly controlled due to low awareness. The present study assessed the awareness and prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among Indian adults aged 18 years and above with a minimum of 12 years of education through an online cross-sectional survey based on convenience sampling. Out of 1933 respondents, 891 provided information on blood pressure. The mean age of the respondents was 32.2 ± 12.3 years, with the age range of 18 to 77 years. The respondents’ average body mass index (BMI) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were 23.9 ± 4.11 kg/m2 and 1441 ± 279 kcal/day, respectively. BMI increased with age, while a decline in BMR with age was observed. Males had significantly higher BMI than females (p < 0.001). More than half of the respondents (55.9 %) are overweight or obese. About 46.1 % of the respondents were aware of their blood pressure profile. The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 21.0 % and 5.1 %, respectively. Males are more likely to be prehypertensive and hypertensive than females. An increase in the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension with age was observed. Hypertension was positively associated with age, BMI, BMR, urban residence, monthly per capita income, social class, and educational level. Family size was negatively correlated with hypertension. Individuals with higher BMI, income, upper social class, and those in the prehypertensive age group of 35 to 55 years can be targeted through nutritional awareness campaigns to sensitize them regarding modifiable risk factors.