Abstract

Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Amin*, Dr. Muhammad Mohsan Amin and Dr. Maria Razzaq

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension may be a longstanding problem in Pakistan, yet little is understood about its prevalence and risk factors, particularly in rural and urban areas. Distinguishing geographical variations in hypertension is vital to reinforce the health of adult Pakistanis no matter where they live. Aim of this study to know risk factors of hypertension among rural and urban population. Methodology: It is a cross sectional study done in which 300 hypertensive persons residing in urban and rural communities of Bahawalpur were enrolled. Data was collected through simple random sampling technique using a questionnaire. Data was collected on risk factors of hypertension. Then collected data was analyzed using SPSS v 20.0. Results: out of 150 participants of urban community, 55 (36.7%) were 46-55 years old while among 150 participants from rural areas, 52 (34%) were 46-55 years old. There were 104 (70.7%) female and 46 (30.6%) male from urban areas. Males from urban and rural areas were 46 (30.6%) and 56 (37.3%) respectively. In urban public 60 (40 %) participants were found illiterate and 70 (46%) rural participants were found illiterate. In current study 30 (20%) participants from urban community and 40 (26.6%) from rural community also had diabetes mellitus as associated disease. It was found that family history and anxiety were the most common risk factors i.e. 105 (70%) and 90 (60%) people from urban community having positive family history of hypertension and stress factor respectively. Similarly among rural respondents 80 (53%) and 95 (63.3%) were having positive family history of hypertension and stress factor respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that there were more hypertensive female as compared to male. Young people of rural areas were more common as compared to young people of urban areas. There were many cases who were unaware of their hypertensive condition, also many were not using proper medicine despite of their acknowledgement. Previous family history, anxiety/stress, high salt intake and smoking were the main risk factors observed.