ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors of hypertension in the rural community of Harmons, Manchester, Jamaica.
Methods: The present study was conducted in Harmons over the span of one week. Community wide blood pressure measurements and health history data were recorded by an investigational team. Basic anthropometric data were also collected. Statistical and descriptive analyses were performed on collected data.
Results: The sample size was 99 subjects. Ages of subjects ranged from 19 to 85, the greatest proportion being younger than 45. Individuals under the age of 18 were not permitted to participate in the study. A significant number of individuals reported immediate family history of hypertension and/or diabetes. Weak correlation was found between age and blood pressure. Correlation was also found between personal hypertension history and blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension based on current American Heart Association blood pressure guidelines was 62.2%.
Conclusion: This research serves as a preliminary understanding of hypertension in Harmons. Subjects of importance for future study may include level of health education, social factors in determining care seeking and further study of hypertension and its risk factors.
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