Volume 4 Issue 4 (July - August), 2018

Original Articles

A cross sectional study of Screening for hypertension, diabetes and connectivity in the rural population of North Karnataka, India
Sunkad.M.A, Javali. S.B ., Sulikeri.P.N., Awate Rajendra

Objective: To study the prevalence of  raised blood pressure and / or raised blood sugar  among persons above the age of 30 years in the rural population served by peripheral health post ( sub center). It was also intended to find how many people have Mobile phone for future M-health project. Methodology: Systematic samples of 850 persons were selected and included in the study.  General health, blood pressure and blood sugar, checkup was done. Of the 850 persons approached, 746 participated in the study giving a response rate 88 %. Their participation was voluntary, informed, consented, anonymous and confidential. The demographic details, anthropometric measurements, clinical findings were recorded, compiled and analyzed using SPSS statistical software 21.0 Version. Results: Out of the 736 respondents,  255 (34.18%) are male and 491 (65.82%) are female.18.43% of the  male and 29.94% female are overweight. 92.42%  have normal blood pressure (120/80mm of Hg),  while 6.56% have raised blood pressure (>140/90 mm of Hg) in the age  group 30-39 years. Correspondingly, in the elder age (70 years and above),  52.70% have normal blood pressure (120/80mm of Hg) while 40.0 % have raised blood pressure (>140/90 mm of Hg).  This is a significant finding with p<0.05.  However, 93.37% have normal blood sugar (<140mg %), while 6.63% have raised blood sugar (>200mg%) in the age group 30-39 years.  Correspondingly in the age group 70 years and above, 78.29% have normal sugar level (<140mg%) while 21.7% have raised blood sugar (>200mg%). This is a statistically significant finding with p<0.05. Mobile Connectivity: There is good telecommunication network in the community and 76% participants have Mobile phone. Ninety one percent of them are familiar with operating mobile phones and are able to answer the phone call. Conclusion:  The raised blood pressure levels are a frequent finding with 167 persons (22.38%), while the 49 (6.57%) persons showed raised blood sugar. These findings are found statistically significant with p<0.05.The telecom network is good and 76% participants have Mobile phone.The community supported our efforts by their participation.
Key Words:  Hypertension, Diabetes, Delay in presentation, Screening.

 
Html View | Download PDF | Current Issue