PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION, PREHYPERTENSION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEMOGRAPHIC, ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICATORS, AND BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTORS: A POPULATIONBASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN THE DISTRICT MURSHIDABAD, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Hypertension is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, a serious threat to a healthy life and an enormous burden on the public health care system. Several studies from different parts of India indicate an increase in the prevalence of HTN. So far as the eastern region, particularly Murshidabad, is concerned, only a few studies are available. To assess the prevalence and the associated risk factors of hypertension in the district Murshidabad. A multi-stage cross-sectional study was carried out in adults aged 18-67 years (N=2000) between 2013 to 2018, and the results were analyzed using statistical tools. The overall prevalence was found to be 33.5%, the isolated Systolic and diastolic HTN was respectively 9.3% and 5.6%. Only 28.96% of the participants were aware of the condition and was taking medicine, and 43.81% of those on medication had their BP adequately under control. Age, sex, marital status, level of education, occupation, and income were found to be risk factors of hypertension and a significant association was noted. The harmful use of alcohol and smoking, as well as BMI and abdominal obesity, were also found to be significant risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of HTN was high, but the control and awareness were low. In addition to improvements in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment, homemakers need special attention because of high prevalence in this group.