Hypertension and its correlates in two communities of dissimilar genetic ancestry in Sikkim, India

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has emerged as a major health risk among adults and the elderly in India. In spite of sharing similar physical and cultural environments, group level cultural variability and distinct genetic ancestry may result in differences in patterns of hypertension prevalence.

Aim: The present study investigates the relationships between socio-economic, lifestyle and anthropometric variables and hypertension in two communities (Rai and Bhutia) of Sikkim. Both groups live in a similar ecological setting and are exposed to forces of modernization of almost equal magnitude.

Subjects and methods: The study sample consists of 582 Rais and 315 Bhutias. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, substance uses and other lifestyle variables were collected through relevant pre-tested questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standard methods. Three consecutive blood pressure measurements were taken and averaged for analysis.

Results: The results of covariance analyses show that ethnicity is not a significant covariate of either systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Use of tobacco and alcohol consumption, level of education and activity patterns were found to be significant correlates of hypertension. The diagnostic ability of waist circumference is found to be better than body mass index for assessment of risk of hypertension among the present study populations.

Conclusions: Lifestyle factors more than ethnicity and socio-economic factors contribute to the development of hypertension in these populations. Based on the results of this study, we would suggest that a sustainable increase in physical activity and reduction in alcohol consumption would be helpful in the proper management of hypertension for both groups.

Keywords::

• Hypertension
• ethnicity
• lifestyle factors
• Sikkim

Acknowledgements

We are most grateful to the study participants for their unhesitant support in conducting the study. The help rendered by the field assistants in collecting data of various types is deeply appreciated. We sincerely thank Dr Sharon R. Williams of Purdue University for improving the manuscript. The financial support provided by the Indian Statistical Institute for conducting this study is highly appreciated.

Declaration of interest: There exists no conflict of interests among authors.