Prevalence of Hypertension and Compliance to Treatment Among the Geriatric Population in Barpeta Town

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a leading public health concern among the elderly, contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite increasing awareness, treatment compliance remains a challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of hypertension and evaluate treatment compliance among the geriatric population in Barpeta town, Assam. The study also aimed to identify socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with hypertension and its management.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over two months (October–December) among 270 individuals aged ≥60 years in nine municipal wards of Barpeta town. Data were collected through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, and blood pressure was measured using a standard protocol. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to assess associations between variables.

Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 48.5%. Among the 131 hypertensive individuals, 92.4% were aware of their condition, but 34.3% were non-compliant with antihypertensive treatment. Significant associations were observed between hypertension and smoking (p=0.0001), alcohol use (p=0.0013), and co-morbidities (p=0.0001). Economic dependence was significantly associated with poor treatment compliance (p=0.0229), while co-morbidities showed no significant influence on compliance.

Conclusion: Although awareness of hypertension was high among the elderly in Barpeta town, treatment compliance remains inadequate, especially among economically dependent individuals. There is a need for targeted public health strategies focusing on financial support, regular monitoring, and lifestyle interventions to improve hypertension management in geriatric populations.