Burden and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Tribals in Odisha: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study: Burden and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Tribals

Priyamadhaba Behera; Payel Roy; Debkumar Pal; Dinesh Prasad Sahu; Naisargika Jena; Binod Patro; Manish Taywade

Authors

Priyamadhaba Behera Associate Professor, AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Payel Roy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4599-9343
Debkumar Pal
Dinesh Prasad Sahu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8044-3159
Naisargika Jena https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9644-6835
Binod Patro
Manish Taywade https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5274-8414

Keywords:

Hypertension, Tribal, Prevalence, Predisposing Factors

Abstract

Background:
Tribal populations in India, comprising 8.6% of the population, face persistent health disparities. Once considered less affected by non-communicable diseases, they are now experiencing a growing burden of hypertension. In Odisha, where over 22% of the population is tribal, some communities report hypertension prevalence above 30%. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of hypertension in a tribal area of Khordha district. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated socio-demographic and behavioral factors among adults in a tribal region of Odisha.

Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 adults selected by multistage random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire captured socio-demographic and behavioral variables. Blood pressure was measured using standard WHO guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26; logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with hypertension.

Results:
The prevalence of hypertension was 34.3%. Significant risk factors included age ? 45 years (AOR=2.83), low physical activity (AOR=2.16), alcohol consumption (AOR=2.22), and high BMI (AOR=2.64). Awareness, treatment, and control rates were low at 16.4%, 6.4%, and 2.2% respectively.

Conclusion:
Hypertension is highly prevalent among tribal populations in Odisha, with low awareness and control. Community-based, culturally tailored interventions are urgently needed to address this growing public health concern.

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Burden and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Tribals in Odisha: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study