Hypertension Prevalence in Over 18-Year-Old Population of Zabol

Hypertension is an important health problem in developed and developing countries. This descriptive study was undertaken to determine the prevalence rate of hypertension in over 18-year-old population in Zabol. 1530 cases including 841(55%) females and 689(45%) males were selected through random stratified cluster sampling. Based on JNC-VI & WHO definition, people suffering from hypertension are those who have systole BP>140mmHg and Diastole BP>90mmHg after two intermittent time within 3-day interval or those who are under antihypertensive medication. BP was recorded in two positions (dorsal and sitting) from either left and right arm and high BP was considered as the constant BP. At the first time, in addition to BP, height and weight were also measured. Then, within 3-day interval the second and the third stages of BP was then measured. Data was collected via physical examination and completing a questionnaire. Based on the obtained results it was found out that the prevalence of hypertension was 15% in females, 12.5% in males and 13.9% in total case population. Age adjusted prevalence was 13.4% in females, 11.09% in males and 12.24% in total case population. Results also showed that 36% of females, 52% of males and 44% of total case population were not aware of their illness. Chi-squared test with 99% coefficient of certainty showed a significant difference between hypertension, obesity and age. However, no significant difference was seen between hypertension and sex. On the whole, hypertension is considered as a risk in modern and industrial societies thus, population screening people’s awareness of life style, nutrition and follow-up are necessary for hypertension control.