Data collection.
Data collection and training were conducted in accordance with the
WHO Step wise approach recommended for non-communicable disease surveillance [14].
The
WHO and IDA criterion was used to classify hypertension with systolic blood pressure (SBP)
of 140mmHg and /or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 90 mmHg or known hypertensive
patients on treatment. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standardized techniques
and calibrated equipment. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a digital measuring
device (Mars MS-700AMI, China) with participants sitting after resting for at least five minutes.
Three BP measurements were taken with at least three-minute intervals between the consecutive
measurements. In accordance with the WHO recommendation, the mean systolic and
diastolic BP from the second and third measurements was considered for analyses