Objectives: To find the magnitude of hypertension and its risk factors among individuals above the age of 60 years. To assess co-morbidities and drug compliance among individuals with hypertension. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among elderly individuals >60 years residing in urban slum. Study subjects were screened for hypertension by house to house visit. The individuals were classified according to WHO guidelines for hypertension. Details of risk factors, comorbidities, health care utilisation, and anthropometry were collected from those found to have hypertension. Moriskys 8 item scale was administered to them to assess compliance to hypertension medication.
Results: Prevalence of hypertension was31.5%. Positive family history of hypertension was given by 32.3% of individuals.35.4% were overweight and 36.5% were obese,68.8% had sedentary life style. Type II Diabetes Mellitus was the most common comorbidity- 67.64%.It was found that 61.4% had good drug compliance. Pearson’s Chi square test showed significant association (p<0.005) between compliance to medication and number of drugs consumed. Majority of the subjects 42.3% visited private clinics and nursing homes for follow up.
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension is high among elderly slum dwellers of Bangalore. Lack of physical activity and obesity were important risk factors. Due to better availability of health care facilities, follow up and compliance to medication was good. This was reflected by less number of hypertension related complications in study population.
