Prevalence of hypertension in a low income settlement of Karachi, Pakistan.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of hypertension in a low-income community in Karachi.


METHODS
Cross sectional survey, through multi-stage sampling of 857 adult subjects in 405 households was conducted between April and September 2002.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of hypertension was 26% (95% C.I. 23, 29), the prevalence among males (34%) was higher than females (24%). The mean age of participants was 35 +/- 14 years, the prevalence of hypertension increased with age. Proportionately there were more cases of hypertension among male participants over 35 years of age as compared to female participants of the same age (p < or = 0.001). Fifty-eight percent of hypertensives were unaware of their hypertension. None of the hypertensive subjects who were aware of their condition had blood pressure under 140/90 mmHg. Stratified analysis revealed significant risk factors for hypertension. Hypertension was 1.7 (OR 95% C.I. 1.14, 2.42) times more common among males then females. Males were 1.7 (OR 95% C.I. 1.06, 2.6) times less likely to have been aware of their hypertension status. Age analysis revealed that the prevalence of hypertension increased with age and hypertensive subjects were 5.6 (OR 95% C.I. 3.9, 8.1) times more likely to be over 35 years of age.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to control hypertension and prevent its complications through effective community interventions. The survey results indicate high prevalence and poor control of hypertension in the community, but more research is required to understand the reasons behind this phenomena.
Safdar
S
S
Department of Community Health Sciences, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi.
Omair
A
A
Faisal
U
U
Hasan
H
H
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011203:Poverty; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires