Predictors of hypertension in an urban Indian population.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND, Several studies have reported that the increased risk of hypertension is mainly due to alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, nutritional factors like high fat intake, anthropometric parameters like body weight and waist-to-hip ratio, and metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus. However, the extensive review of literature suggests that in different parts of the world, the predictive risk factors are associated with risk of hypertension in different combinations.The main objectives of this study were to determine the predictors of hypertension in an urban population of India, using the variables depicting lifestyle, nutrition, and environment. METHODS AND RESULTS, Secondary data collected through a cross-sectional survey in a population proportionate sample were analyzed. Sample size was calculated using prevalence of one of the predictors (obesity) from previous studies.Subjects aged between 15 and 54 years, residing in New Delhi for at least one year were included in the study (n = 494). The WHO STEPS instrument for noncommunicable disease risk factors (Core and Expanded version 1.2) was used for data col-lection.Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertensive individuals were twice more likely to be male, of significantly higher age, and more likely, had received college education.The full model of logistic regression analysis showed that sex, age, education, weight, and pulse rate were significant predictors of hypertension. CONCLUSION, The most parsimonious regression model included age, sex, educational status, body mass index, physical inactivity, and hip girth as predictors of hypertension. Risk of hypertension may be predicted early in a population by suitable screening procedures.