ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS AT LIAQUAT UNIVERISTY HOSPITAL HYDERABAD: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular diseases globally and poses a serious public health challenge in Pakistan. Despite its high prevalence, awareness, control, and treatment of hypertension remain suboptimal. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among adults at Liaquat Hospital, Jamshoro/Hyderabad.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1st to June 27th, 2025, in various wards of Liaquat Hospital. A total of 80 hypertensive adults aged 20 years and above were selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire focusing on demographic details, behavioral patterns, family history, and lifestyle factors. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results: The majority of participants were males (73.8%), aged between 30–49 years (76.3%), uneducated (47.5%), unemployed (73.8%), and belonged to a low socioeconomic background (76.3%). Behavioral risk factors included current smoking (30%), physical inactivity (47.5%), saturated fat use (41.3%), and sleep difficulty (65%). A significant proportion (73.8%) had a family history of hypertension, primarily parental. Notably, 38.8% of participants were underweight, while 10% were overweight or obese.

Conclusion: Hypertension among adults in this setting is associated with a range of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. The findings highlight the urgent need for community-based interventions focusing on early screening, health education, and lifestyle modification, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations with limited health literacy.