Prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among Bhutanese Monks in Thimphu, Bhutan: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Hypertension is a major health problem and it accounts for more than 9.4 million people to die every year globally due to its high complications. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and high research importance has been given due to its high prevalence. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and to assess its risk factors among monks populations in Thimphu. A cross-sectional study with purposive sampling method was conducted among the five different monasteries in Thimphu. A self administered questionnaire was structured for 307 monks from age 18 and above. The prevalence rate of hypertension in the present study was 32.6% among Bhutanese monks. Hypertension is significantly higher in elder age groups which conclude that hypertension increase with the increase of age and have a strong association. Alcohol use, betel consumption, and physical inactivity were found to be significant risk factors for developing hypertension. With the 32.6% prevalence rate, only 26% of them are receiving medications. There is an impending need for effective intervention strategies.