A study to determine the role of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension among rural population of district Amritsar

Background: Hypertension is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.[1] Hypertension is one of the diseases of the 21st century, with a social dimension and is major public health problem in urban and nowadays in rural areas as well. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension among rural population of district Amritsar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 rural participants between the age group of 18 and 69 years, which were selected by systematic random sampling method from five villages in district Amritsar. Out of total, 250 males and 250 females were selected. Data was analyzed statistically using Epi Info 7. The association of the categorical variables with outcomes was seen by the Chi-Square test. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: This study shows that 168 (33.60%) participants were hypertensive out of total 500 in rural areas. Among non-modifiable risk factors, hypertension was directly proportional to age and maximum hypertensives were above 60 years, that is, 53.06%. Conclusion: It becomes essential to strengthen health systems in rural areas and public policies required to be formulated to reduce the exposure of rural population to risk factors such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol and tobacco with a special focus on children, adolescents, and youth.