Objective: Hypertension is a global public health problem. This article aimed to estimate the national prevalence of hypertension in India for both women and men. The study had also examined the demographic and socioeconomic status of hypertensive women and men.
Methods: The study used the National Family Health Survey 4 from all over India. Hypertension of 661 771 women (15-49 years) and 104 357 men (15-54 years) and their demographic and socioeconomic variables were assessed. Crosstabulation, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension in women and men were 11.40% and 18.10%, respec- tively. State-wise, Sikkim had shown the maximum prevalence. Older women (45-49 years) and men (50-54 years) had the highest hypertension prevalence among all age groups. Urban people had shown proportionately more hypertension than rural people. Education, working status, and richer economic status emerged as significant risk factors. Women with lower edu- cational status and men with higher educational status were more likely to be hypertensive. Working people were more hypertensive than their non-working peers. Economically, sound men were more hypertensive than poor people. Hypertensive people accessed medical care more.
Conclusion: There are various modifiable risk socioeconomic factors associated with hyperten- sion. Policymakers can consider the current findings for better preventive planning. The risk factors identified in the study should be considered with appropriate weightage.