Prevalence of hypertension and its socio-demographic correlates: A micro level study among Santals of Bankura district, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Studies reported that marginalized populations are more vulnerable towards hypertension than the general populations in India. However, studies are inadequate to address the issues for intervention among the indigenous population. In view, the present study objectives are to investigate the prevalence of hypertension of the Santals of Bankura, West Bengal and also to find out the socio-demographic correlates of hypertension of the study group. Present cross-sectional study was conducted among the Santals living in rural areas of Bankura district of West Bengal. Total enumeration of all the Santal households had been done for socio-demographic data, collected by using standard household census schedule. A total of 472 adults including 206 males and 266 females were recruited as study participants. Blood pressure and different anthropometric data had been measured using standard methods and instruments. JNC 7 classification used to categorize blood pressure data and hypertension was diagnosed as SBP/DBP ≥140/90 mmHg. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Majority of the study participants were married, non-literate and engaged in agricultural activity as daily labourer. Blood pressure levels of the study population indicate that 22.3% males and 23.3% females were hypertensive. Compared to other tribal groups, Santals showed similar or relatively lower prevalence of hypertension. Results of logistic regression analysis demonstrates that age groups as middle aged (OR= 2.204), elderly (OR= 5.701), family types as joint (OR= 0.317) and nutritional status as overweight (OR= 9.480) were significantly associated with hypertension when other socio-demographic variables remain adjusted.