author(s)
Masuma Akter Ripa, Sipra Mondal, MD. Zahidul Islam, Nahid Farhana, Shabbir Ahmed Khan Nayan, Rupam Chakrabartty and Tania Akter

abstract
In Bangladesh, hypertension is the primary cause of death and sickness. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among adults in urban and rural areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh, highlighting critical demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health factors contributing to this significant public health issue. From November 2023 to January 2024, a total of three months were devoted to the investigation. Among the 251 respondents, a notable 91.9% were married, with a majority (35.1%) aged between 50 and 59, and 64.9% identified as male. A significant portion of the sample (74.3%) were Muslim, and 79.7% lived in joint families, which may influence dietary habits and stress levels. Educationally, 40.5% completed postsecondary education, and 66.5% had household incomes exceeding 15,000 BDT, indicating a relatively stable economic status. However, lifestyle factors revealed concerns, with 64.9% consuming fewer vegetables, 52.7% using excessive salt in meals, and 78.4% leading sedentary lives, despite 75.7% engaging in adequate physical activity. Additionally, 82.4% reported a family history of hypertension, reinforcing genetic predispositions. Health metrics showed that 54.1% had normal weight, and 56.6% maintained normal blood pressure levels, yet the presence of elevated blood pressure among a considerable portion of the sample indicates a need for ongoing monitoring and interventions. Overall, these findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of hypertension risk in Dhaka, necessitating targeted public health strategies to promote healthier lifestyles and improve awareness regarding hypertension management, particularly for individuals with familial predispositions and high-risk behaviors.