Article Analysis: Hypertension Study and Ethical Evaluation

This report analyzes an article titled "Prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension: a cross-sectional study in urban Varanasi." The study, conducted in Varanasi, India, aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors. The research employed a cross-sectional design, collecting data from 640 individuals using a multistage sampling technique and structured interviews. The study identified a hypertension prevalence of 32.9%, with significant associations found between hypertension and factors like gender, age, socioeconomic status, tobacco and alcohol use, and obesity. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and data privacy, were also addressed. The analysis evaluates the study's methodology, findings, limitations, and ethical aspects, providing a comprehensive overview of the research and its implications for public health and healthcare practices.

Running head: ARTICLE ANALYSIS 1
Statistics for Health care
Name
Institution

ARTICLE ANALYSIS 2
Article Analysis and Evaluation of Research Ethics
Article Citation and
Permalink
(APA format)
Singh, S., Shankar, R., & Singh, G. P. (2017). Prevalence and associated risk factors
of hypertension: a cross-sectional study in urban Varanasi. International journal of
hypertension, 2017.
Point Description
Broad Topic Area/Title Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in
Urban Varanasi
Problem Statement
(What is the problem research
is addressing?)
Hypertension is one of the major problems in public health. Considering that this
condition is a major risk factor that is associated with cardiovascular diseases, there is
a need to check its prevalence rate and the risk factors that are associated with it.
Purpose Statement
(What is the purpose of the
study?)
To determine the prevalence rate of hypertension in Urban Varanasi and its associated
factors.
To assess the awareness, treatment, and adequacy of control of hypertension among
the participants. (page 1)
Research Questions
(What questions does the
research seek to answer?)
What is the prevalence rate of hypertension in male and females in Urban Varanasi?
What are the associated factors, a lifestyle that encourages higher rates of
hypertension?
How are the participants in Urban Varanasi knowledgeable about hypertension in
terms of awareness, its treatment and how to control it?
Define Hypothesis
(Or state the correct hypothesis
based upon variables used)
Is there any difference in the prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension between
the male and female gender?
Is there any significant association between education and hypertension?
Identify Dependent and
Independent Variables and
Type of Data for the
Variables
Independent variable; BMI, abdominal obesity, marital status, education, occupation,
alcohol use, physical activity socioeconomic status, and tobacco use.
Dependent variable: hypertension
The population of Interest
for Study
Individuals from Varanasi in India. From urban and rural areas.
Sample The Sample consisted of (n=640) individuals. (page 2)
Sampling Method A multistage sampling technique was utilized (on page 2)
Simple random sampling to pick words to include
Identify Data Collection Data was collected through structured and pretested interview schedules.

ARTICLE ANALYSIS 3
Identify how data were
collected
Summarize Data Collection
Approach
Across section study of individuals in India was taken. Participants aged 25 to 64
years was taken. The random sample of 640 individuals was taken and interviewed
after filling the consent forms.
Discuss Data Analysis
Include what types of
statistical tests were used for
the variables.
Data analysis was carried out via SPSS version 16 software.
Test carried out: Descriptive statistics such as mean and Standard deviation.
Also Frequencies and percentages for qualitative data.
Inferential statistics: chi-square test, Logistic regression, and ANOVA were applied.
Summarize Results of Study In summary, the prevalence of hypertension was found to be 32.9% where males and
female comprised 40.9% and 26.0% respectively.
The average value of diastolic and systolic Blood Pressure was found to have be
between (83.45± 9.49) and (124.25 ± 15.05) mmHg respectively.
The male gender, eldest age group, married , upper socioeconomic status, illiterate and
retired individuals were found to have the highest odds of being hypertensive.
There is a significant association between hypertension and following factors;
Tobacco, alcohol, overweight and obesity.
Individuals who were hypertensive were 211.From this number,38.4% knew their
hypertension status from which (57-70.4%) were already seeking medical attention
and (20-35.08%) with controlled blood pressures.
According to the chi-square (𝜒2 = 17.049, df = 6 and 𝑝 value = 0.009).This implies
that education is significantly associated with hypertension.
Summary of Assumptions
and Limitations
Identify the assumptions and
limitations of the article.
Report other potential
assumptions and limitations of
your review not listed by the
author.
The study uses cross-sectional design which restricts examining causal associations
which is important.
The study was conducted in one city in India. More studies need to be carried out in
other areas.
The study was only done in urban areas. Need to be done in all areas for a more
representative population. (as page 9).
Apart from this, Stress is one of the contributors of hypertension. It could be factored
in for more viable results.

ARTICLE ANALYSIS 4
Potential ethical considerations
Ethical considerations are important when carrying out any research. They ensure that the
correct standards are followed to ensure the research is acceptable and protects the rights of the
subjects involved. In this case, ethical approvals were sourced from the Banaras Hindu
University Varanasi by the Ethical Committee of Medical Science. Before data collection, the
purpose of the survey was explained to the subjects. They were then allowed to sign content
forms if comfortable to take part in the research. The participants were free to answer all the
questions but not mandatory to fill all parts if not comfortable. Though random sampling of the
individual was done, subjects were to volunteer to participate in the study. The cases that were
found hypertensive were referred to the nearby clinic for treatment and ensuring that this
condition was controlled (page 2). From the wards in the selected city, Out of these 90 wards that
were selected to be involved in the sample, simple random sampling was used to select 5 wards
where the subjects were from. Simple random sampling is a probabilistic method of sampling
that ensures that each individual has an equal chance of being selected in the sample. This is
ethical since no preferential treatment was given to any of the study subjects since each of them
had equal; the probability of being involved in the sample. In terms of analysis, all 640 subjects
were considered for analysis. Data cleaning and scrutiny was done to ensure no outliers were in
the dataset. This ensures that the subjects had equal means and were considered in a similar
manner. This ensures uniformity and correctness of the analyzed results. Similarly, the finding
from the results was done by competent individuals to ensure correct conclusions and publishing
id=s done.

ARTICLE ANALYSIS 5
References
Singh, S., Shankar, R., & Singh, G. P. (2017). Prevalence and associated risk factors of
hypertension: a cross-sectional study in urban Varanasi. International journal of
hypertension, 2017.