IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-8-26403 Original Research Paper INTERVIEW-BASED STUDY ON KNOWN HYPERTENSIVES LIVING IN A METROPOLITAN CITY Rastogi Dr. Sundaram Kartikeyan Dr. August 2020 9 8 01 02 ABSTRACT

This cross–sectional interview–based descriptive study was conducted using an online questionnaire to determine the profile of 65 urban–dwelling patients (20 females: 30.77% and 45 males: 69.23%) currently on prescribed anti–hypertensive medication. The mean age was 47.35 +/– 10.36 years and 48.24 +/– 11.72 years for females and males, respectively. The gender differences in marital status (Z=0.142; p=0.888), religion (Z=1.195; p=0.230) and urban schooling (Z=0.575; p=0.561) were not significant. Significant gender differences were observed in level of education (Z=2.928; p=0.003) and occupation (Z=4.195; p<0.0001), outdoor exercise (Z=2.194; p=0.028), abstention from alcohol (Z=3.555; p=0003); regular follow–up for hypertension (Z=2.033; p=0.042) and self–checking of blood pressure (Z=2.608; p=0.009). This study highlighted some behavioural risk factors in the study population. Regular mass screening campaigns would be required for detecting hypertension in communities.