SCREENING FOR RISK OF HYPERTENSION AMONG THE BANK EMPLOYEES OF KALABURAGI CITY

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable and major risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease and chronic renal failure. With sedentary lifestyles, commendable work stress, unhealthy food and personal habits these people are at a high risk of non-communicable disease like hypertension. This study was taken up to estimate the prevalence of hypertension among bank employees in Kalaburagi city and to study the associated risk factors of hypertension among them. Methods: The present study was community based prospective observational study, undertaken in the bank employees carried out in Kalaburagi city, Study was explained to bank employees, those willing to participate in study were included after a written informed consent. Results: Among 218 subjects, prevalence of hypertension was 28.44% (62 subjects). Among hypertensive subjects majority were of age group 51-60 years (76.19 %) followed by 41-50 years (52.27 %), male (33.52 %), manager (55.81 %), from upper class (68.2 %). In present study, hypertension was more common in BMI > 30 kg/m2 (100.0 %) also more in BMI 30- 35 kg/m2 (80.64 %) followed by, BMI 25-30 kg/m2 (23.47%). As blood pressure increases pulse rate was also increases this shows highly significant positive correlation between blood pressure and pulse rate. The prevalence rates of the risk factor of hypertension were as follows: Smoking 27.5%, Tobacco Chewing 19%, alcohol consumption 40%, sedentary life-style 66%. Dietary habits such as adding extra salt while eating food (23.4 %), eating vegetables (99.9%), eating fast food (72%), eating fruits (92.4%). Nil was common among hypertensive subjects (67%), while very high stress level (28%) was noted among hypertensive subjects. among 218 employees where 2.75% of participants usually sitting 06hr in a day, as follows 60% of 08hr, 31% of 10hr and 6% of 12hr. Conclusion: Based on the findings from the current study we can conclude that hypertension is significantly associated with Age > 40 years, male, gender, cadre of employment, BMI > 25 kg/m2 smoking, smokeless tobacco use, alcohol use and less physical activity. We also found that 24.3% of the participants were classified as pre-hypertensive, which adds to the overall future risk of developing hypertension. Measures for early detection of hypertension required and health education regarding lifestyle modifications is recommended in reducing and controlling the prevalence of hypertension.