Statistical analysis: Various nutrient intakes were
categorized in to tertiles as lowest, middle and
highest. The data were entered into the computers
and consistency checks were carried out and analysed
using SPSS Window (19.0) version (SPSS, Inc.,
USA). the continuous variables followed normal
distribution. Univariate analyses were carried wherever
required. Hypertension or high BP is defined as mean
systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or
diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg as per the
recommendations of Joint National Committee (JNC)
VII or known hypertensives16. Average of three BP
measurements was taken as current blood pressure.
Since age standards for tribal population were not
available, age standardized prevalence rates and means
for SBP and DBP for all the states were computed
using WHO age standards17.