Background: Prehypertension elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease and that of end-stage renal disease. The objectives of creating such a category in the classification were to increase awareness of the importance of identifying individuals in whom early intervention by the adoption of healthy lifestyles could lower blood pressure (BP) and thus decrease the rate of progression to hypertensive levels.
Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the proportion and sociodemographic factors and other risk factors of pre-hypertension among the cases visiting Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) of a Government Medical College, to know the awareness about prehypertension, and to create awareness among them.
Materials and Methods: The present hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in RHTC of a Government Medical College from January to February 2015 (2 months). The sample size was 200. All patients 18 years and above visiting outpatient department of RHTC were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a predesigned and a pretested questionnaire.
Results: A total of 210 patients were enrolled in this study. Overall, 101 (48%) had pre-hypertension and 109 (52%) patient had normal BP levels. Increasing age, marital status, occupation, excess salt intake, lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet, addiction, lack of regular exercise, and the presence of obesity (as per body mass index) were significantly associated with pre-hypertension. No study subjects were aware of the concept of prehypertension.
Conclusion: Our study highlights the high proportion of prehypertension. The study gives important information regarding various risk factors associated with prehypertension. Simple lifestyle modifications such as low intake of salt and inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the daily diet, quitting an addiction, and regular exercise decreases overall BP. Education regarding lifestyle and dietary practices at individual and family level are needed to bring about effective changes.
Key words: Awareness; Prehypertension; Sociodemographic Factors; Adult; Rural Health Training Center
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