Hypertension and Risk Factors in Nepalese Police in Far Western Region

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is an emerging public health problem in Nepal due to epidemiological and nutritional transition in the last two decades. In this study, we aimed to characterize the distribution of risk factors for hypertension in Nepalese police officer of far western province of Nepal.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in police stations in three districts of the far western Province of Nepal. Physical examination including blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, and random blood sugar and urine reaction were recorded during the annual medical check after obtaining verbal approval to research the findings. Hypertension, defined as systolic BP (SBP) ? 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) ? 90 mmHg (classified as 1) was the outcome variable of interest. Covariates of hypertension were elicited through the multivariable logistic regression. These covariates were age, gender, body mass index (BMI), residence location, diabetes status and waist circumference.

RESULTS: Among the 1055 police personnel, 14% (146) were hypertensive, 4.8% (51) were diabetic, and 33% (339) were pre-obese (BMI 25.0-29.0). In the multivariable logistic regression, age groups 25-29 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.03, 95% CI 1.11, 3.75), 35-39 (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.22, 4.62), and 40-44 years (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.20, 5.16) were twice at odds of being hypertension compared to 19-24 year. At the same time, those with pre-obese were 78% (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.21, 2.62) more likely to report hypertension compared to normal BMI. A unit increase in waist circumference was likely to be associated with a 6% (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.01, 1.11) increase in hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension in the Nepalese police personnel in the western region of Nepal was lower than in the general population. The risk factors for hypertension were age, being overweight, and increased waist circumference.