Prevalence and Correlates of Hypertension in the Slum Population of Surat City

Background: High prevalence of hypertension has been reported in certain recent studies in India. However, information regarding prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors are scanty. Methods: By the stratified random technique one thousand four hundred forty one men and one thousand seven hundred thirty nine women, above 30 years of age and from slum area of Surat city were selected. Personnel interview, anthropometric measurement and blood pressure measurement were carried out. JNC VII criteria were used to define hypertension. Results: Prevalence of hypertension was found to be 33.3%. More than 20% are already aware of their hypertension status among the total patients with hypertension. By using backward elimination method of multiple regression BMI, high salt intake, advancing age and waist?hip ratio were found to be associated with hypertension. Multivariate analysis established that in comparison to male, female had higher risk of hypertension. Conclusion: In the slum population of Surat city prevalence of hypertension is high. Primary preventive programme like lifestyle modification and exercise crucial along with secondary preventive efforts like screening and treatment are necessary to tackle the burden of hypertension and cardio vascular diseases.