International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Review and Research · Jun 30, 2026
Prevalence and Determinants of Hypertension among Adults Aged 20–40 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study
By Choudhary B
Background: Hypertension is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality worldwide. Although traditionally considered a disease of older adults, its prevalence among young adults has increased owing to unhealthy lifestyles, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and dietary changes. Early identification of hypertension and its determinants is essential for preventing long-term cardiovascular complications. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 20–40 years and to identify the demographic, behavioral, and anthropometric factors associated with hypertension. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study included 400 adults aged 20–40 years selected using systematic random sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, family history, anthropometric measurements, and blood pressure were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured according to standard international guidelines. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Associations were assessed using the Chi-square test, independent Student's t-test, and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the simulated dataset, the mean age of participants was 31.6 ± 5.8 years, and 57.0% were males. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 24.5%, including 17.0% with Stage 1 and 7.5% with Stage 2 hypertension. Hypertension was significantly associated with age ≥31 years (p<0.001), male gender (p=0.002), body mass index ≥25 kg/m² (p<0.001), smoking (p<0.001), alcohol consumption (p=0.008), physical inactivity (p<0.001), family history of hypertension (p<0.001), and diabetes mellitus (p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity, increasing age, and physical inactivity, family history of hypertension, smoking, and male gender as independent determinants of hypertension. Conclusion: The simulated findings suggest a substantial burden of hypertension among young adults, with several modifiable lifestyle factors contributing to elevated blood pressure. Early screening, health education, and lifestyle modification may improve early detection and reduce the future burden of cardiovascular disease in this population.