Journal of Medical Sciences1682-44741812-5727Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/jms.2008.254.261LatiffahA.L. HanachiP. KhaniaS. 3200883The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence
of hypertension and its associated risk factors among University Putra
Malaysia (UPM) retirees in Klang Valley, Malaysia. This study was conducted
among UPM retirees aged 50 years and above. Seventy-three respondents
(males n = 62, females n = 11) were selected randomly and interviewed
using a pre-designed questionnaire to collect information on the above
variables. Blood pressure and anthropometric parameters measurement were
done using standardized technique. Prevalence of hypertension was 32.88%
in males and 36.36% in females, with the highest proportion among those
aged 70 years and above (75%). Isolated systolic hypertension was detected
in 50% hypertensive subjects. The mean systolic blood pressure was 133.73±16.35
mmHg with a significant difference observed in age group and various ethnics
(p<0.05). The mean diastolic blood pressure was 81.99±9.46 mmHg.
Among hypertensive subjects, 70.83% were aware of their hypertension and
82.35% (14) were currently under treatment. Among ever diagnosed hypertensive,
73.33% were currently under treatment and a mere 40.91% achieved blood
pressure control. Factors found to be significantly associated with hypertension
were literacy (χ2 = 16.51, df = 2, p<0.05) and previous
job (χ2 = 8.82, df = 1, p<0.05). The prevalence of
hypertension in this study was high. It is highly recommend that proper
screening of blood pressure should be emphasized among the retirees to
increase their awareness on the importance of blood pressure control and
to improve lifestyle modification of hypertension.]]>Aguilar, C.J., A.H. Martinez, X.M. Morell, R.A. Urrestarazu, A.A. Llopis, J.L.Z. Gomez, B.A. Pelaez and R. Padial,2007129641645Gupta, R., P. Rastogi, M. Sarna, V.P. Gupta, S.K. Sharma and K. Kothari,200755621627Hennekens, C.H.,19989710951102John, T. and Arokiasamy,20001st Edn.,Anonymous,1993153154183Anonymous,199715724132446Kandiah, N., R. Lekhraj, S. Paranjothy and A.K. Gill,198034211220Lim, T.O., L.M. Ding and B.L. Goh,20005590107Lim, T.O., B.A. Ngah ,A. Suppiah ,F. Ismail and R. Abdul Rahman .199132245248Malaysian Guideline for Good Clinical Practice,20021st Edn.,pp: 1-49pp: 1-49NCEP,200210631433421National High Blood Pressure,1993153186208National Health and Morbidity Survey Conference,19971997Perry, I.J. and D.E. Beevars,199262325Pickering, T.G.,199913340Sharabi, Y., I. Grotto, M. Huerta and E. Grossman,200417404408Trenkwalder, C., D. Ruland, M. Stender, T. Gebharo, H. Hydlin and H.W. Hense,199412709716Vasan, RS., A. Beiser, S. Seshadri, M.G. Larson, W.B. Kannel, R.B. D’Agostino and D. Levy,200228710031010Wang, L., J.B. Manson, J.E. Buring, I.M. Lee and H.D. Sesso,20085110731079Whelton, S.K., L.J. Appel, M.A. Espeland, W.B. Applegate and W.H. Ettinger Jr. et al.,1998279839846WHO MONICA Project,198918S46S55Wilking, S.V.B., A. Belanger, W.B. Kannel, R.B. D’Agostino and K. Steel,198826034513455Yeoleker, M.E. and M.M. Shete,2002502935