Hypertension in India: A Gender-based Study of Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Background Hypertension, a major non-communicable disease, is responsible for a significant number of global deaths, including approximately 17.9 million yearly. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 19% of global deaths are attributed to elevated blood pressure. India, with a population of over 1.3 billion, is facing a serious challenge in combating this silent killer. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of hypertension in India and explore its associated risk factors using data from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). Methods NFHS-5 collected data from 636,699 households across all states and union territories. The study includes standardized blood pressure measurements for 1,708,241 individuals aged 15 and above. The data were analyzed using Stata 17.0, employing descriptive statistics for the assessment of the prevalence and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of hypertension. Results The study found the overall prevalence of hypertension in India to be 22.6%, with men (24.1%) having a higher prevalence than women (21.2%). Prevalence increased with age, reaching 48.4% in individuals aged 60 and above. Urban residents had a slightly higher prevalence (25%) than rural residents (21.4%). Regional variations were observed, with the highest prevalence in Sikkim (37.9%) and the lowest in Rajasthan (16.5%). Increasing age, urban residence, belonging to certain religions (Muslim and other than Hindu or Muslim), and being classified as Scheduled Tribe (ST) were associated with a higher likelihood of hypertension. Conversely, belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC), being currently unmarried, and having higher education were associated with a lower likelihood of hypertension. Wealth index analysis revealed that those in the richest quintile were more likely to have hypertension. Tobacco use showed a negative correlation with hypertension, while alcohol consumption exhibited a positive association. BMI was a significant risk factor, with overweight and obese individuals having higher odds of hypertension. Conclusions Hypertension is a significant health burden in India, affecting both men and women. Age, BMI, urban residence, alcohol use, and education level emerged as major predictors. Health education and awareness campaigns are critical to combat this growing epidemic. Policymakers must focus on preventive measures, targeting lifestyle changes and improved access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. By addressing these risk factors, India can make significant progress in controlling hypertension and reducing its impact on public health.