Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of Hypertension and diabetes among tribal population of central India: A cross-sectional study
METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in 19 villages, including 551 individuals aged 20 years and above. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk factors was assessed. Pretested questionnaire was utilized to collect data on socio-demographic, behavioural and dietary factors. Anthropometric measurements like weight, height, waist and hip circumference and measurements of blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and serum cholesterol were undertaken, utilizing standard methodologies. Uni-variate followed by multivariate analysis was utilized to detect odds of getting hypertensive or diabetic with various risk factors.
RESULTS: Study population included 551 subjects aged 20 years and above. Among them, 304 (55.2%) were males. Mean age was 39.3 ± 13.9 years. Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of Hypertension was 77 (14%), 23 (29.8%), 11 (47.8%), 4 (36.4%), respectively. Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes was 35 (6.4%), 12 (34.3%), 9 (75%), 2 (22.2%), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified increasing age, physical inactivity, central obesity, tobacco chewing and tobacco smoking as an independent predictor for hypertension. However, increasing age, tobacco smoking and high cholesterol were identified as independent predictors for diabetes. (p<0.05)
CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension, diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk factors are an emerging challenge in tribal population of central India. We need health education and promotion programs and reorientation of primary health care to improve awareness, early detection and effective management of hypertension and diabetes.