Prevalence and Determinants of Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM) among women in Pakistan: a population based study

Abstract

Background Hypertension is a cardiovascular risk factor and a reason for non-communicable disease. Approximately one billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension, resulting in global health concerns. It puts maternal health at severe risk. One environmental factor, water salinity influences the prevalence of hypertension, which is especially evident in coastal regions. Though it's important to drink enough water during pregnancy, due to excessive salinity in drinking water can increase health impacts. Methodology The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine how often it is for pregnant women's drinking water to have excessive salinity and whether this is related to hypertension. By using simple random sampling, 190 pregnant women as the sample size, with an equal distribution across coastal and non-coastal areas. For collecting data, face-to-face interviews were taken based on structured questionnaires, water samples for salinity testing, and for measuring blood pressure a sphygmomanometer was used. descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and Chi-square tests. t-tests were all part of data management. By Using R Studio and Microsoft Excel, the results were examined to shed light on the connection between pregnant women's hypertension and the salinity of their water. Result Hypertension is found to be more widespread in the coastal regions as opposed to the non-coastal regions. The percentage of people living with high blood pressure at the coast stands at 43% while those away from this area are only 15%. This indicates a likely link between residing by the sea and susceptibility to getting the disease. Moreover, even though there is a higher prevalence rate for hypertensive cases among inhabitants of these places, cases pre-high are not common which may suggest increased health hazards in such areas. Conclusion The study showed a connection between hypertension and drinking water in Bangladesh's coastal area. Highlighting the need for action and raising awareness about health impacts.Future suggestions to improve the water quality, and maybe even some public awareness campaigns.