A population based study on hypertension among elderly in a slum in Chennai

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Original Article

Author Details : Jagdeep Ramesh, Meriton Stanly

Volume : 4, Issue : 4, Year : 2017

Article Page : 143-147

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Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a common Non - communicable disease and is a major contributor of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. Hypertension can lead to complications like stroke, coronary heart disease, renal failure and death if not detected early and treated adequately.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension among elderly in a slum population in Chennai and to asses certain risk factors associated with hypertension.
Materials & Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which included 100 elderly people above 60 years in a slum of Urban Health Training Centre of Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Porur, Chennai. Details regarding education, income, personal habits, physical activity were obtained. The weight, height and blood pressure of all the participants were measured.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 59% (95% CI 49% - 68%). As the BMI increases the prevalence of hypertension increases (p=0.02). Sedentary lifestyle (p=0.038) were associated with increase of prevalence of hypertension.
Conclusion: Our findings emphasize that hypertension is an important public health problem among the geriatric population and that there is definite need for regular screening for hypertension. Community health education and health promotion programs to encourage behavioral changes among the elderly will go a long way in the prevention of hypertension.

Keywords: Hypertension, Prevalence, Elderly, Non-Communicable Disease, Cross Sectional, Slum

How to cite : Ramesh J, Stanly M, A population based study on hypertension among elderly in a slum in Chennai. J Community Health Manag 2017;4(4):143-147

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