Risk factors assessment for hypertension in a squatter settlement of Karachi.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the risk factors for hypertension in adults (age more than 15 years) in a squatter settlement of Karachi.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of adults more than 15 years old in a squatter settlement of Karachi through random sampling method.


RESULTS
A total of 327 adults were approached, 165 (50.5%) were males and 162 (49.5%) females. Blood pressure was measured in 63 (38%) males and 135 (83%) females. Out of which, 11 (17.5%) males and 19 (14%) females were screened hypertensive. Hypertensives were older as compared to normotensives (p < 0.001). The mean BMI of hypertensives (25.6 +/- 4.5 kg/m2) was significantly higher (p = 0.008) than normotensives (22.9 +/- 5.0 kg/m2). Hypertensives were 9.7 times more likely to be diabetic as compared to normotensives in this study (p < 0.001). On analyzing the relationship of hypertension with other variables, no significant difference was noticed for education (p = 0.68), smoking status (p = 0.46), family history (p = 0.31) and occupation (p = 0.27).


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention and control of hypertension is essential as the life expectancy is increasing in developing countries as well. The main emphasis according to this study, should be on controlling the BMI through weight reduction and regular exercise. Awareness about the risk factors for hypertension among the population is required to decrease the double burden on the society.
Siddiqui
Hemna
H
Department of Family Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Anjum
Qudsia
Q
Omair
Amir
A
Usman
Jawed
J
Rizvi
Raza
R
Ashfaq
Tabinda
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires