Study on Prevalence of Risk Factors for Hypertension among Women in Rural Area of Andhra Pradesh

Background: Hypertension becoming common health problem worldwide because of increasing longevity and prevalence of contributing factors such as obesity, physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet.

Objective: To study the prevalence of risk factors for hypertension among women in rural area of South India

Material and method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 837 women selected from rural area of Andhra Pradesh from January to June 2008

Results: Out of 837 women,22.58 % were hypertensive.The age specific prevalence of hypertension was maximum(50.44%) in the age group > 60 yrs.Risk factors such as family h/o HTN,h/o DM,tobacco use, waist circumference and BMI were significantly associated with hypertension.

Conclusion: Problem of hypertension is increasing among rural women so health education strategies should be directed towards rural women also.