ASSESSMENT OF LIFESTYLE FACTORS INFLUENCING HYPERTENSION PREVALENCE AMONG ADULT PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS IN PAKISTAN

Misbah  Nargis; Kashif Nabeel

Authors

Misbah Nargis Indus hospital QF, NST campus, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5710-017X
Kashif Nabeel DHQ hospital Sheikhupura, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8637-804X

Keywords:

Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Diet, Hypertension, Life Style, Motor Activity, Stress, Psychological

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major global health concern and a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and stress play pivotal roles in its development. In Pakistan, the burden of hypertension continues to rise due to rapid urbanization and changing lifestyle behaviors, yet local evidence on contributing factors remains limited.

Objective: To evaluate how lifestyle factors, including dietary habits, stress levels, and physical activity, influence the prevalence of hypertension among adult patients attending tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over five months in tertiary care hospitals across Pakistan. Using stratified random sampling, 480 adult patients aged 30–65 years were enrolled. Data on demographics, diet, physical activity, and stress were collected using structured questionnaires, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Blood pressure was measured according to WHO guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression were applied to assess associations between lifestyle factors and hypertension, assuming normal data distribution. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants.

Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 39.4%. Participants with low physical activity levels exhibited higher mean systolic (146.8 ± 12.4 mmHg) and diastolic (94.2 ± 8.9 mmHg) pressures compared to active individuals (p < 0.001). High-stress individuals demonstrated a 1.8-fold increased risk of hypertension (95% CI: 1.2–2.7), while excessive dietary salt intake was independently associated with elevated blood pressure (β = 0.28, p < 0.01). Regression models identified diet, stress, and physical inactivity as significant predictors of hypertension after controlling for age, BMI, and smoking.

Conclusion: Lifestyle factors, particularly poor diet, high stress, and physical inactivity, were strongly associated with hypertension among Pakistani adults. Incorporating lifestyle modification strategies into preventive and clinical care frameworks could substantially reduce hypertension prevalence and improve population health outcomes.

Author Biographies

Misbah Nargis, Indus hospital QF, NST campus, Pakistan.

Senior Registrar pediatic Medicine, Indus hospital QF, NST campus, Pakistan.
Kashif Nabeel, DHQ hospital Sheikhupura, Pakistan.

Medicine, Medical officer, DHQ hospital Sheikhupura, Pakistan.

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