PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN DISTRICT FAISALABAD

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is constantly increased. It occurs when arterioles narrow and excessive pressure is exerted against the walls of blood vessels, causing the heart to work harder to maintain blood pressure. Several factors have been recognized as major risk factors for hypertension, including socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, family history, and diabetes mellitus. Other factors, including sleep duration, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, dietary habits, and stress, are important predictors of hypertension. Hypertension is becoming increasingly prevalent among young adults.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among young adults in District Faisalabad.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 randomly selected individuals. Formal informed consent was obtained from each participant, and ethical guidelines regarding privacy and confidentiality were followed. Data were collected through interviews using a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions regarding demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, behavioral factors, social activities, education, knowledge, and understanding of hypertension. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS. The Chi-square test and independent t-test were performed to determine the association between hypertension and its potential risk factors. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of hypertension among the 250 participants was 19.8%. Hypertension was significantly associated with BMI, physical activity, salt intake, fast-food consumption, stress levels, sleep duration, smoking, and family history. Hypertension was observed among 33.82% of overweight participants, 28.99% of those who never exercised, and 21.43% of those who exercised once or twice a week. Similarly, 38.18% of participants who always added extra salt to their diet, 39.13% of those who consumed fast food daily, 38.14% of those who often experienced stress, 32.43% of those who slept for less than 4 hours, 38.64% of active smokers, and 37% of participants with a positive family history showed hypertension.

Conclusion: The study concluded that hypertension was prevalent among young adults in District Faisalabad and was significantly associated with several lifestyle and behavioral risk factors. Proper knowledge and understanding of blood pressure should be provided to young adults. Regular screening and educational programs should be conducted to promote a healthy lifestyle, reduce sedentary behavior, and address other modifiable risk factors to reduce the prevalence of hypertension among young adults.