Prevalence and determinants of hypertension among urban tribal communities in Nagaland, India—A community-based study

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the burden and factors associated with hypertension among the Nagas (collective term for tribal ethnic groups predominantly residing in Nagaland) living in an urban environment. Insights from this study will aid in mapping focused community-based and primary care interventions for hypertension. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with hypertension among Nagas aged 30–50 years residing in urban Dimapur, Nagaland. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2019. This study screened 660 participants for hypertension using a digital blood pressure apparatus. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the risk factors, and anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard guidelines. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was 25.9% and 44.5%, respectively. Non-modifiable risk factors such as male gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–3.09), age > 40 years (AOR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.57–3.41), family history of hypertension (AOR, 1.87, 95% CI: 1.19–2.92) and modifiable risk factors such as current alcohol consumption (AOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.27–3.31), high/very high perceived stress (AOR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.28–3.62), lack of participation in stress relief activities (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.17–3.71) and overweight/obesity (AOR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.55–3.30) were independently associated with hypertension in this study. CONCLUSION: To avert an impending health crisis in this community, a multipronged approach involving primary-care/family physicians, culturally appropriate awareness, and targeted community-based screening programs with an adept referral system must be implemented to curtail this emerging threat.