Frequency of Hypertension and its Associated Risk Factors in Hunza, Gojal

Abstract

Acceptance of hypertension as a significant community health concern that significantly reduces quality of life and contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is gradually gaining acceptance in Pakistan. Localized studies are essential in effective prevention planning since communities living at high altitudes such as Hunza Gojal can possess particular demographic, lifestyle, health associated variables and mental state that determine their hypertension proneness. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension among the adult population living in Hunza Gojal and also to examine the demographic, behavioral, and mental health determinants that are associated with the same. A cross-sectional study on convenience sampling selected 340 participants between 25 years and above. The data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, mental health indicators, and clinical history were collected via the structured questionnaire. After that, a descriptive and chi-square analysis were conducted. The findings indicated that 43.6 percent of the population self-reported having hypertension. Correlations between age (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.001), occupation (p=0.012), family history of hypertension (p=0.002), the level of physical activity (p=0.000), weight (p=0.001), height (p=0.046), anxiety (p=0.001), difficulty controlling anger (p=0.000), and mental fatigue were statistically significant (p=0.011). The comorbidities were diabetes, high cholesterol, and headaches that appeared to be common implying that chronic cases were high in the community. Screening in communities, customary health education, psychological assistance, and culture-sensitive interventions are among the most urgent requirements to lower the number of complications on hypertension and cardiovascular health in Hunza Gojal. These results demonstrate the combined effect of physical inactivity, psychosocial stressors, and demographic characteristics on the risk of hypertension.