Determinants of hypertension and treatment-seeking behavior among reproductive-age women in India: evidence from the national family health survey-5

Background The burden of non-communicable diseases (e.g., hypertension) has become exceedingly high as a consequence of the epidemiological transition. Further insights into the socio-demographic determinants of hypertension specifically among women are much needed for prevention initiatives. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the impact of sociodemographic determinants on the prevalence of hypertension and treatment-seeking behavior among reproductive-age women in India. Methods In this study, we focused on a population of reproductive-age women from India comprising 116,318 participants. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of India were analyzed. We examined the relationship between reported hypertension prevalence and socio-demographic factors such as age, education level, place of residence, employment status, and income level. Logistic regression was also employed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to examine these relationships. Results Out of the 116,318 participants in the study, 6,008 individuals (5.17%) reported having hypertension, with only 74.37% of them seeking treatment. Multivariable model analysis revealed that women in higher age groups had a higher risk of reporting hypertension [aOR= 1.45, 95% CI= 1.43-1.47]. Additionally, those belonging to the wealthiest families were also significantly more likely to report hypertension [aOR= 1.75; 95% CI= 1.57-1.94]. Conclusion This study highlights that about 5% of women in the reproductive age group were found to be hypertensive, and a considerable number of them did not seek treatment. The findings warrant tailored health promotion campaigns for hypertension prevention among women of reproductive age in India.