Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors among Police Personnel of Ballari City, Karnataka - A Cross-Sectional Study

Shivasharan HN; Sameena ARB; Manjula K; Basavaraj S

doi:10.55489/njmr.160320261327

Authors

Shivasharan HN Department of Community Medicine, Ballari Medical College and Research Centre, Ballari, Karnataka, India
Sameena ARB Department of Community Medicine, Ballari Medical College and Research Centre, Ballari, Karnataka, India
Manjula K Department of Community Medicine, Ballari Medical College and Research Centre, Ballari, Karnataka, India
Basavaraj S Department of Community Medicine, Ballari Medical College and Research Centre, Ballari, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njmr.160320261327

Keywords:

Prevalence, Hypertension, Police personnel, Occupation stress, Law enforcement, Non communicable diseases

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is an emerging health problem of genuine concern. It predisposes to myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, stroke and premature death. Police personnel belong to a distinct occupational group with experience of violence and stress at work, overnight duties and unhealthy life style which contributes to hypertension. The objectives were to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in police of Ballari city.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 police of Ballari city from January 2024 to December 2024. After informed consent sociodemographic and occupational details were collected. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference and blood pressure measurement was done. Police not willing to participate were excluded.

Results: The prevalence of Hypertension was 27%. Increasing age, male gender, family history of hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, excess salt intake, physical inactivity and obesity were significant risk factors (P<0.05). On multivariate analysis increasing age (aOR=2.83), male gender(aOR=2.97), family history of hypertension (aOR=2.68), physical inactivity(aOR=0.44), excess salt intake(aOR=1.85) and high Body Mass Index(aOR=2.45) exerted an independent impact on hypertension.

Conclusion: The police personnel are key in maintaining the law and order. Formulating appropriate strategy to keep them healthy and vigilant including regular blood pressure monitoring and educating on life style modifications can have positive impact on their health.

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