An investigation of hypertension in a slum of Nakhon Ratchasima.

There is evidence that Thai people living in slums may be at high risk of developing hypertension. The present study was undertaken on a random sample of 1,000 subjects aged 20 and over living in a slum in Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima during 1 February to 31 may 1988. This study consisted of measurements of blood pressure and body build, with administration of an interview on demographic characteristics, sociocultural factors and food frequency patterns. The results were based on 804 respondents. It was found that the prevalence of hypertension was 16.9%, nearly half of the hypertensives being mild cases. Only a low proportion of the proven cases was both aware of their condition and receiving treatment. About one fifth of the treated cases had blood pressure under 160 mm Hg systolic and 95 mm Hg diastolic. Based on these findings, it is concluded that these slum inhabitants are at high risk of developing hypertension. Community interventions are needed in order to prevent complications related to hypertension. Health education aimed at increasing community awareness of hypertension should be a major component of the community intervention.