A study of hypertension & its risk factors among primary school teachers of Tumkur, Karnataka

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Original Article

Author Details : Girish B., Sumanth Mallikarjuna Majgi

Volume : 4, Issue : 1, Year : 2017

Article Page : 54-58

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Abstract

Background: Hypertension is an important public health challenge in both economically developing and developed countries. Hypertension is a Silent Killer, because people who have it are often symptom free or unaware of the disease. The teaching profession is highly stressful occupation due to enhanced psychosocial stress at the work place. The present study was intended to measure the prevalence of hypertension among primary school teachers of Urban Tumkur and also to identify the risk factors for hypertension among the same.
Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Maralur area of Tumkur town during July to September, 2013. All the five schools under our Urban field practice area were selected for the study and the sample size was 70 primary school teachers. Blood pressure of all teachers were recorded in sitting position and a pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain other details.
Result: Blood pressure was recorded among 70 teachers in the 5 schools of which 19 (27.14%) were males and 51 (72.86%) were females. 20 teachers (28.57%) were diagnosed with hypertension. 65% of hypertensive teachers have positive family history of hypertension in this study. 15% of teachers with hypertension have smoking habit and 10% of teachers have the habit of alcohol consumption. 25% of hypertensives had less than 6 hours of sleep daily. 65% of hypertensives do not practice yoga and 75% of hypertensives do not practice meditation.
Conclusion: Hypertension among the school teachers was 28.57%. Life style modification for prevention and control of hypertension has to be given importance among teachers. Teachers can be used as a medium for spreading these messages to their family, the students and their colleagues.

Keywords: Hypertension, Primary school, Risk factors, Teachers

How to cite : Girish B., Majgi S M, A study of hypertension & its risk factors among primary school teachers of Tumkur, Karnataka. Indian J Forensic Community Med 2017;4(1):54-58

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