Role of obesity in the prevalence of hypertension at high mountain villages of Pakistan

Back ground: We conducted a community-based study to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its correlation with obesity among adults in high mountain villages of Astore, Gilgit Baltistan.

Methods: This study is based on data collected through a cross-sectional survey, using a random sample of 350 households selected from 15 villages using probability-proportional-to-size methods in the northern areas of Pakistan. A respondent was randomly selected among the household members aged 18 years and over. Trained female interviewers obtained socio-demographic and other information with the help of a pilot-tested questionnaire. They also measured height and weight using SICA scales and blood pressure was measured using standardized mercury sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure more than 140/90 mm Hg. We used body mass index to define overweight (BMI 25.0 to 29.9) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).

Results: A total of 330 individuals out of 350 visited households participated in the survey. The majority (81%) of the study population had no formal schooling. Out of 330 study subjects 113 (34%) had hypertension. A significant proportion of people had overweight (15%) and obesity (11%). More male had hypertension (37%) compared to females (33%). The prevalence of reported hypertension varied according to the nutritional status, i.e. 32% in normal, 36% in overweight and 44% in obese individuals.

Conclusions: Hypertension is a significant public health burden in the high mountain rural villages of Pakistan. Community-based intervention strategies should target obesity as one of important risk factors to control diabetes.