DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i07.027

Pages: 2766-2772

Hypertension is emerging as a major public health problem in India. Although it can affect any age group, the elderly are at an increased risk of developing the disease because of decreased physiological reserves and changes in the arterial structure and functions. To assess the prevalence of hypertension and find out its risk factors in the geriatric population a community based cross-sectional study was conducted among the elderly residing in villages under Lahowal Block of Dibrugarh District. The study was carried out from August 2013 to July 2014. Data was collected by using a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. The study participants were clinically examined for blood pressure and anthropometric parameters using standardized technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 software. Out of the 370 study participants, 62.2% were females while the remaining 37.8% were males. The mean age of the study group was 68.8±7.1 years. 59.5% belonged to the 60-69 years age-group and 30% belonged to 70-79 year age-group. The prevalence of hypertension in the study population was 71.4%. On univariate analysis salt consumption, tobacco use, stress, physical activity at work, physical activity during leisure time, BMI and WHR were found to be significantly associated with hypertension.