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Gender and rural-urban differences in hypertension among youths in India: Insights from NFHS-4

Ritu Rani, International Institute For Population Sciences
Ajit Kannaujiya, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Ankit Sikarwar, University of Minnesota

The present study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for, hypertension in Indian youths (15-29 years) by gender and rural-urban place of residence. Data from the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015-16, n=416,155) was utilized for the study. After estimation of the stratified prevalence of hypertension by various characteristics, multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the correlates of hypertension. The prevalence at the national level varied from 9.16% (Meghalaya) to 3.34% (Delhi). Overall, the prevalence of hypertension was found higher for male youths living in urban areas (7.82%) and females in rural areas (5.08%). Concurrently, results from regression analysis also suggest higher odds of hypertension for males residing in urban areas for a variety of demographic, socioeconomic, and health-risk factors. Advancing age, no education, living in the northeast region, overweight/obese and high blood glucose level was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of hypertension for both the gender and place of residence. Public health awareness regarding blood pressure needs to be tailored differently for both males and females considering the rural-urban dimension. Further, more research should focus on blood pressure in young age since they point towards adult blood pressure patterns.

Keywords: Children and youth, Health and morbidity, Gender

See extended abstract.

  Presented in Session 25. Challenges Facing the Young in India