Abstract
Background: Hypertension, or increased blood pressure, is seen worldwide because of lifestyle changes. Hypertension is a risk factor for diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Most hypertensives are not seeking treatment; either they are unaware of the condition or asymptomatic for a long period, leading to sudden deaths. Hence, it is called a “silent killer.” Previously, hypertension was prevalent only in older people. Recent data from various studies mentioned that the prevalence of hypertension is increasing at a young age. Hence, this study was undertaken to study the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among rural people aged 30 years and older.

Aims and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among people 30 years of age or older.

Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh for 2 years after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent from participants. Simple and systemic random sampling was used to select 300 participants. Data were collected using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaires. The analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences software, version 26.0. The association between two categorical variables was measured using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the total subjects, 81 (27%) were diagnosed with hypertension. The majority (57%) of the study subjects were females, and the majority of the hypertensives were 51–70 years old (47.2%) and males (31.8%). Hypertension had a significant association with age, education, socioeconomic status, body mass index, smoking, intake of alcohol, family history of hypertension, and salt consumption of >5 g, but not with gender, type of family, or history of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension has also increased in rural areas because of cultural and lifestyle changes. By modifying the risk factors, the occurrence of hypertension can be prevented at an early age and can be kept under control in those already affected.

Key words: Hypertension; Prevalence; Rural Area; Risk Factors