Burden and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Tribals in Odisha: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Odisha, home to a substantial tribal population, lacks robust community-based data on hypertension prevalence and its determinants among tribal groups. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated socio-demographic and behavioural determinants among tribal adults in a tribal-dominated area of Odisha. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to March 2023 in 22 tribal villages under the Rural Health and Training Centre (RHTC), Mendhasala, Khordha district, Odisha. Adults aged ?18 years residing in the area for at least six months were included. Using probability proportionate to size sampling, 669 participants were enrolled. Data were collected through house-to-house surveys using a standardized proforma and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent determinants of hypertension, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 42.8 ± 15.7 years, with females constituting 55.2% of the sample. Overall, 31.2% of participants were hypertensive. Hypertension was significantly associated with age >40 years (AOR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.12–1.82), higher BMI (>24 kg/m²) (AOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.18–2.52), unmarried/divorced/widowed status (AOR: 6.16; 95% CI: 1.97–9.29), and tobacco use (AOR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.56–4.39). Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high burden of hypertension among tribal adults in Odisha, driven predominantly by modifiable behavioural and social determinants such as tobacco use and marital status. The findings highlight the need for culturally appropriate, community-based screening, targeted tobacco cessation strategies, and lifestyle interventions to address the growing NCD burden among tribal populations.