HYPERTENSION AND ITS DETERMINANTS IN TEACHING STAFF OF PESHAWAR UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Objectives: Hypertension is a chronic medical condition. Some observers say that 20% of population aged
18 74 years suffered from hypertension and l /3rd of them are not aware that they are hypertensive. More than
70% of all hypertensive patients (85% in rural areas) in Pakistan are not aware of their disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the prevalence, awareness and factors
associated with hypertension. Sample of 500 teachers was selected. Data were analyzed using statistical
package for social sciences version 16.0.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found in 128/500 (25.6%) teachers. Out of these 128, 50(40%)
were not aware of their hypertensive status. Old age, family history of hypertension, obesity, lack of
exercise, smoking and living stressful life are pre-determinants of hypertension in the teachers.
Conclusion: The teachers should get their blood pressures checked on a regular basis, so that any increase in
blood pressure can be properly monitored. The teachers should be encouraged to take walks or do light
exercise regularly during their free time. This will help them deal with their sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
Lowering weights will concurrently deal with hypertension.
Key words: Hypertension, Prevalence,Awareness,Teachers, University, Peshawar