A cross-sectional study on prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among residents of urban field practice area of Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India

Background: Hypertension is the leading risk factor for disease burden worldwide and an important cause of preventable mortality. An estimated 57% and 24% of stroke and coronary artery disease-related deaths, respectively are due to hypertension. In order to take effective prevention measures, identification of the risk factors is an essential prerequisite. Hence, this study was conducted with the objective of estimating the prevalence of hypertension and determining its associated risk factors in the urban field practice area of GIMS, Kalaburagi. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in urban field practice area of Gulbarga institute of medical sciences, Kalaburagi among 185 adults aged >18 years using purposive sampling method from August to October 2024. Data were collected using pretested, semi-structured questionnaire and blood pressure was measured and categorized according to International Society of Hypertension (ISH) Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines 2020. Results: The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was found to be 10.8% and 11.8% respectively. Age, education, marital status, associated co-morbidities, sleep duration, fast food consumption, body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusions: To prevent and control hypertension, campaigns to raise awareness should be carried out to reduce modifiable risk factors such as quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, promoting a healthy lifestyle and eating a balanced diet, as well as early detection and management.