The Prevalence of Hypertension Among Diabetics in a Rural Area in Ernakulam District-A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension among diabetic patients in a rural area of Ernakulam district and explore associated risk factors. A total of 55 participants were included, with a sex ratio favoring males (73%). Educational levels showed that most participants had at least a middle school education, and the majority were married (87%). The study revealed that 60% of diabetic participants were also hypertensive, highlighting the frequent co-occurrence of these conditions. Regarding diabetes management, 60% of participants relied on oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA), while 32.7% used insulin. Only a small proportion (5.5%) either did not take any medication or used homeopathy (1.8%), emphasizing the preference for conventional treatments. The study also explored co-morbidities, finding dyslipidemia to be the most common (18 participants), followed by thyroid issues and cardiac problems. Importantly, 40% of participants reported no additional co-morbidities, demonstrating a varied health prole within the diabetic population. In assessing risk factors for hypertension, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity emerged as signicant contributors. Calculated values for smoking (7.83), obesity (7.92), and lack of physical activity (12.1) all exceeded the tabled value (3.84), conrming strong associations with hypertension. Physical activity was found to be protective, with individuals who exercised regularly being less likely to have hypertension (7 out of 33). These results underscore the high prevalence of hypertension in diabetic populations and the critical role of modiable risk factors, such as smoking and obesity. The findings emphasize the need for lifestyle interventions, including increased physical activity, to manage both diabetes and hypertension effectively, particularly in rural areas where these health issues are prevalent.