Burden of hypertension and associated risk factors among adults residing in the coastal areas of Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension remains a major public health challenge globally and in India, contributing substantially to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Coastal populations often experience lifestyle, occupational, and dietary exposures such as high sodium intake, socioeconomic constraints, and limited access to healthcare services that increase their risk of developing hypertension. However, evidence on the burden of hypertension in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu remains scarce. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated risk factors among adults residing in coastal areas of Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years residing in selected coastal villages of Chengalpattu District. Using multistage random sampling, 400 participants were enrolled in this study. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized digital sphygmomanometer following the Seventh Joint National Committee (JNC-7) criteria, with hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, salt intake, dietary habits, physical activity, tobacco, alcohol use, and family history were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors of hypertension. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 31.5% in the study population. Increasing age (>40 years), obesity, high dietary salt intake, family history of hypertension, and tobacco usage were significant predictors of hypertension after adjustment for confounders ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent in the coastal adult population of Chengalpattu District. Strengthening community-based screening, promoting salt-reduction and lifestyle modification programs, and ensuring early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing the growing burden of hypertension in these vulnerable coastal communities.