P131 URBAN-RURAL PATTERNING OF BEHAVIORAL AND ANTHROPOMETRIC CORRELATES OF HYPERTENSION AMONG THE AO NAGAS OF NAGALAND, INDIA

Background and objectives: In the context of an epidemiological and nutrition transition among the ethnic groups in India, leading to an increase in prevalence of hypertension, this study aims to explore the urban-rural pattern of behavioral and anthropometric correlates of hypertension among the Ao Nagas of Nagaland, India. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 1250 Ao Nagas, aged 20-49 years, residing in city, town and village areas were examined for blood pressure, body weight, height and waist circumference. Interview was taken using the WHO stepwise tool for the surveillance of NCDs. The behavioral and anthropometric correlates of hypertension were determined using multinomial logistic regression in SPSS 17.0. The presence of hypertension was considered as the outcome variable. Results: In the city, the male residents in the older age group (35-49 yr) had 3.53 times higher risk of been hypertensive than those in the younger age group (20-35 yr). Overweight males had 3.23 times higher risk of been hypertensive than those who had normal weight. Females in the older age group had 5.48 times higher risk of been hypertensive than the females who were in the younger age group. In the town, males who were abdominally obese had 2.93 times higher risk of been hypertensive as compared to those who were not abdominally obese. In the village, males who were overweight had 5.66 times higher risk of been hypertensive as compared to those who had normal weight. Females in the older age group had 1.89 times higher risk of been hypertensive as compared to those in the younger age group. Abdominally obese females had 3.45 times and those who consume alcohol had 6.22 times risk of been hypertensive as compared to females who were not abdominally obese and who doesn’t drink alcohol. Conclusion: Age, abdominal obesity, overweight and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with hypertension.