Hypertension and obesity in adults: evidence from a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital in Punjab

Abstract

Background: Hypertension and obesity are two of the most significant non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributing to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. India is experiencing a rapid epidemiological transition with rising prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders. Punjab, known for its dietary patterns rich in fats and reduced physical activity levels, shows an even higher prevalence of both conditions compared to the national average. This study aims to investigate the burden of hypertension and obesity among adults at tertiary care hospital, Bathinda Punjab.

Methods: A cross-sectional research design was adopted to assess the burden of hypertension and obesity among 265 adults visiting the outpatient areas of tertiary care hospital, Bathinda, Punjab. Participants were recruited via consecutive sampling technique. Data collection relied on self-structured questionnaires and statistical analysis performed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 23.

Results: The findings revealed a concerning high prevalence of hypertension, with 24.2% was in hypertension stage II followed by 22.6% were in pre-hypertension stage etc. It was also found that 36.9% of the participants were overweight and 18.9% of them were obese. The correlation of hypertension with obesity was found statistically significant (r=0.23 as p value<0.01 level of significance).

Conclusions: This study highlights the significant burden of hypertension and obesity in the study population, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management and prevention strategies. Targeted interventions and health literacy enhancement are crucial for improving hypertension outcomes. Early action can mitigate long-term complications.