5764.2025 Exploring The Impact of Lifestyle Habits and Environmental Factors on Hypertension Risk in Rural Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ethnic Minorities

Abstract

Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, contributing significantly to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke, and kidney failure. The global burden of hypertension continues to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare access is limited, and lifestyle-related risk factors are more pronounced. In rural populations, particularly within ethnic minority groups, the risk of hypertension is often exacerbated by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. Ethnic minority groups, in particular, may face unique environmental and lifestyle challenges that influence hypertension risk, but there is a limited understanding of how these factors operate in these populations, especially in rural settings. In rural areas, the prevalence of hypertension is often underreported due to limited access to healthcare services, low levels of health literacy, and a lack of infrastructure for regular health screening. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are prevalent in rural populations and have been identified as key contributors to hypertension (Yang et al., 2024). The lack of physical activity infrastructure and access to health-promoting resources, such as exercise facilities or healthy food options, further exacerbates the risk of developing hypertension in rural areas. Moreover, environmental factors such as air pollution, limited access to clean water, and poor sanitation also contribute to hypertension risk in these populations (Zorzi et al., 2024). This study aims to explore the impact of lifestyle habits and environmental factors on hypertension risk in rural populations. This research is a quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach cross-sectional, with independent variables (Lifestyle and environmental factors) and dependent variables (Hypertension). The population of this research is adults aged 44-60 years in hamlet 1 in Tarai Bangun village, UPT Puskesmas Tambang which totals 382 people. The samples in this study is 209 people. The sampling method was carried out randomly (simple random sampling) in one hamlet 1 of Tarai Bangun village, from July to October 2025.

Key word : Life style (dietary habits, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption ), environmental , and hypertension