Burden of Hypertension in a Rural Community of Western Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction
Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease with rising burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) like Nepal. However, reliable community level data from rural Terai regions are scarce. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hypertension and to identify its socio-demographic and behavioural risk factors among a rural village of Rupandehi district.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Materiya Village of Rupandehi district, Nepal, from April to July 2025. A total of 290 adults were recruited using systematic sampling, and data were collected with a structured case proforma. Hypertension was defined according to the 2025 ACC/AHA criteria. Descriptive statistics summarized data, and chi-square test, ANOVA, and t-test were applied.

Results
The mean age of the participants was 39.30±13.9 years, 71.4% were female, and 50% were illiterate. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 46.9%, with males having a significantly higher prevalence (60.2%) than females (41.5%). Prevalence increased progressively with age, from 27.6% in the 20-29 years group to 66.7% in those ≥60 years. Hypertension was significantly associated with alcohol consumption, occupation, and marital status. Only 19% of the hypertensive participants were on treatment.

Conclusion
This study reveals an alarmingly high burden of hypertension (nearly one in two adults) in the rural western Terai region of Nepal, while awareness and treatment remained low. The strong links with male gender, advancing age, alcohol use, and certain occupations suggest the urgent need for targeted, community-based screening and need for lifestyle modifications.