Study on prevalence of hypertension in gazetted officers

Background: There was a strong correlation between increase in hypertension and changing lifestyle factors. The problem which lies with the hypertension is that it cannot be cured completely. And its management requires lifelong medication with some life-style modifications. Decreased physical activities coupled with increased mental tension are important contributors of hypertension. They are usually seen amongst employees of the profession where working is typically sedentary. The main objectives were to study on prevalence of hypertension and risk factors among Government Gazetted officers of Maharashtra, India.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried among gazetted officers working in various departments of state Government for a period of one year in Solapur district. 355 Gazetted Government officers of class I & class II cadre were studied. Blood pressure was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Chi-square test was applied to assess risk factors.Results: In present study, the prevalence of hypertension among Gazetted officers was observed 20.28%. There was significant positive association was found between age and prevalence of hypertension. And also it was found significantly higher in men than women. The association between education and hypertension found to be statistically significant (P<0.001), while there was no association between socioeconomic status and hypertension was found (P=0.33). Prevalence of hypertension was noted higher at every level of BMI. Prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in smokers, alcoholic and had significant association (P<0.05).Conclusions: We conclude that, because of high prevalence of hypertension in Gazetted officers, periodically they should be screened for the same.