Pakistan is a low-income developing country with five major ethnic subpopulations, each with distinct language, cultural practices, dietary habits, health beliefs, and behaviors. The National Health Survey of Pakistan (NHSP) 1990-1994, which was based on a nationally representative sample of 18,135 individuals from 2400 urban and rural households, highlighted the magnitude of hypertension (33% of individuals age 45 years and over), and its lack of detection (85% in rural areas). Preliminary analysis of the NHSP data shows significant variations in the prevalence of hypertension and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the ethnic subpopulations. However, the reasons for the variations have not been explored. The main aims of this proposal are to explore the ethnic variations in prevalence of hypertension and other CVD risk factors, ethnic variation in detection and treatment of hypertension, and determinants for such variations. We will focus in particular on sociodemographic and clinical factors as determinants.
The specific aims of this proposal are to: 1) Determine the ethnic variation in the prevalence of hypertension; 2) Determine the ethnic variation in detection of hypertension; 3) Determine the ethnic variations in prevalence of CVD risk factors other than hypertension, including diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, proteinuria and tobacco use; 4) Determine the approach of general practitioners toward the detection and treatment of hypertension. The Principal Investigator is a senior investigator with experience in secondary analysis of clinical trials in hypertension. The Co-Principal Investigator is a """"""""rising star"""""""" at the Aga Khan University in Karachi. She has previously trained with the PI and has developed a research team in Pakistan capable of performing all the specific aims. The findings of this study would improve the understanding of hypertension and other CVD risk factors, and would serve as a scientific platform for development of prevention programs as well as further research into these dangerous conditions in Pakistan.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Fogarty International Center (FIC)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03TW005657-01A1
Application #
6479590
Study Section
International and Cooperative Projects 1 Study Section (ICP)
Program Officer
Primack, Aron
Project Start
2002-05-01
Project End
2005-04-30
Budget Start
2002-05-01
Budget End
2003-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$36,640
Indirect Cost
Name
Tufts University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02111
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Jafar, Tazeen H; Jessani, Saleem; Jafary, Fahim H et al. (2005) General practitioners' approach to hypertension in urban Pakistan: disturbing trends in practice. Circulation 111:1278-83
Jafar, Tazeen H; Islam, Muhammad; Poulter, Neil et al. (2005) Children in South Asia have higher body mass-adjusted blood pressure levels than white children in the United States: a comparative study. Circulation 111:1291-7