RESUMO
Cardiovascular disease is a growing threat in Thailand, and the prevalences of known risk factors for this disease have never been determined for the rural population. In the present study, 244 men 35-64 years of age chosen by random sampling from 11 villages of Amphoe Rattaphum, Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand were questioned to ascertain socioeconomic status, history of hypertension and of smoking. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured. Most respondents (91.1%) were rice-farmers or rubber planters with low to middle income levels. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents had never been examined for blood pressure. Of the 12 subjects previously diagnosed as hypertensive, only 1 was taking medication. Seventy-seven per cent of responders had currently been smoking an average of 13.4 cigarettes daily for an average of 27.5 years. Half of the non-smokers were ex-smokers. Only 22 subjects (9%) were above average body weight for their height. None of the subjects were obese (above 120% average body weight for height). The prevalence of hypertension (BP equal to or greater than 160/95 mmHg) and borderline hypertension (BP between 140/90 and 160/95 mmHg) was 3.7 and 9.8 per cent respectively. Eight-four per cent of the hypertensive and borderline subjects were previously unaware of their condition. We concluded that in the studied area, blood pressure screening and control is inadequate, and cigarette smoking is endemic, indicating a need for remedial public health measures.