Question

According to NFHS 5 statistics, what percentage of women in Kerala have hypertension?

• A. 24.8%
• B. 30.9%
• C. 28.5%
• D. 35.1%

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 30.9%

National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) - Key Findings for Kerala:

• Hypertension Prevalence: According to NFHS-5 data, approximately 30.9% of women in Kerala have been diagnosed with hypertension.
• Gender Disparity: While hypertension affects a significant portion of women, the survey also highlights prevalence among men, with data varying across age groups and regions within Kerala.
• Risk Factors: Common risk factors for hypertension identified in the survey include age, family history, obesity, unhealthy diet (high salt intake), physical inactivity, and tobacco/alcohol consumption.
• Comparison with Previous Surveys: NFHS-5 data allows for a comparison with previous surveys, indicating trends in lifestyle diseases like hypertension over time in Kerala.
• Public Health Implications: The high prevalence of hypertension underscores the need for robust public health strategies, including awareness programs, regular screening, and accessible healthcare services for managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the state.
• Kerala Model of Development and Health: Kerala is often cited for its advanced human development indicators, including health. However, the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases like hypertension presents a challenge to this model, necessitating a focus on preventive healthcare alongside curative measures.
• NFHS Significance: The National Family Health Survey is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted as part of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program. It provides critical data on health, nutrition, and population, serving as a vital resource for policymakers and researchers.