Urban-rural disparities in blood pressure and lifestyle risk factors of hypertension among Indian individuals

Objectives: This study aims to assess the urban-rural difference in prevalence of hypertension (HT) and to explore the disparities in lifestyle risk factors of HT among urban and rural individuals aged 15-49 years in India. Study Design: The cross-sectional data collected as a part of the fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) was analysed in this observational study. NFHS-4 was conducted between January 2015 and December 2016 amongst men aged 15-54 years and women aged 15-49 years. In order to maintain uniformity, age group of 15-49 years was considered. Descriptive analyses were performed for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Binary logistic regression was conducted to assess the predictors of HT in men and women in urban and rural settings. The presence of HT was considered as the outcome variable. Results: The overall age adjusted prevalence of HT was 17.2% and was greater in urban (18.3%) than in rural population (15.5%). The age adjusted prevalence was also higher in males (18.2%) as compared to females (16.1%). Age and wealth were associated with HT in both urban and rural population. Education and dietary habits played a role in all except rural men. Alcohol consumption, diabetic status and marital status were significantly associated with HT in both urban and rural women. Occupation was associated with HT only in urban women. Conclusions: The study has shown higher HT prevalence in urban areas despite higher prevalence of lifestyle risk factors in rural settings. This calls for more robust screening and health education in the entire population, especially in rural areas.