Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, Control and Risk Factors in Tribal Population of India: a Multi-Centric Cross-Sectional Study

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Tribal Population Aged 15-49 in India: Evidence from National Family Health Survey, 2019-2021

BACKGROUND

Approximately 10% of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can be attributed to hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is steadily increasing among urban, rural, and tribal populations alike. There has been a growing incidence of hypertension within underprivileged groups; however, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the risks of hypertension within Indian tribes. The current study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension among tribes and the risk factors of hypertension.

METHODS

This study uses data from the fifth phase of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) in India, covering 2,843,917 individuals in 636,699 households. A total of 69,176 individuals belonging to tribal communities aged between 15 and 49, encompassing both males and females, have been incorporated into our study. The study utilized bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses, which were conducted using the R statistical software.

RESULTS

Among 69,176 tribal populations between 15 and 49 years, the overall prevalence of hypertension was 12.54% (8676/69176; 95% CI, 12.29%, 12.79%). The prevalence of hypertension among males was 16.4% and 12.07% among females. Age, gender, education, marital status, smoking, and alcohol consumption were found to be the significant predictors of hypertension among tribes.

CONCLUSION

The rising prevalence and potential dangers of hypertension within Indian tribes highlight their epidemiological transition burdened by significant cardiometabolic health concerns, necessitating prompt and ongoing monitoring and surveillance.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Middle-Aged and Older Tribal Adults-Evidence from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a global health concern, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. This study aims to fill this gap by examining hypertension prevalence and risk factors using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI).

METHODS

This study used data from the LASI, which is a nationally representative Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), wave-1 (2017-2018). Our study included a sample of 12,920 individuals from tribal communities who were aged 45 and above. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors associated with hypertension in middle-aged and elderly tribal adults using STATA software.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the prevalence of hypertension among middle-aged and older tribal adults was 34.35%, with 31.97% among males and 36.29% among females. The prevalence of hypertension among middle-aged tribal adults was observed to be 28.67%, while among older tribal adults, it was found to be 46.13%. Age is a prominent factor, showing a marked increase in hypertension risk with advancing age. Individuals aged 51-55 have a cOR of 1.35 (1.03-1.75) and an aOR of 1.37 (1.01-1.86). Gender analysis reveals that females exhibit a higher crude risk with a cOR of 1.21 (1.02-1.42).

CONCLUSION

Hypertension is associated to factors such as increasing age, BMI, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and diabetes. Sociodemographic factors like education and socioeconomic status also contribute to the prevalence of hypertension. Targeted public health interventions, including lifestyle modifications, early diagnosis, and management, particularly in tribal communities, can significantly reduce hypertension prevalence and impact. Culturally tailored health promotion programs could further address these risk factors.