Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Bikash Nepal Higher Education Leadership Institute, Melbourne 655 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008 Australia Bikash Nepal 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Bikash Nepal Higher Education Leadership Institute, Melbourne 655 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008 Australia Bikash Nepal
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Albert P Haddad Higher Education Leadership Institute, Melbourne 655 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008 Australia Albert P Haddad
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Dendup Tshering Dagapela,District Hospital, Dagana District, Ministry of Health Royal Government of Bhutan Dendup Tshering
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Prevalence of hypertension and associated behavioural risk factors among adults in Bhutan, a cross-sectional study. |
| Public title | Prevalence of hypertension and associated behavioural risk factors among adults in Bhutan, a cross-sectional study. |
| Background | Hypertension is a major non-communicable disease priority in Bhutan. The data from national STEPS surveys, annual health bulletins MoH, and WHO country reports demonstrate a substantial disease burden, treatment gap, and ongoing exposure to modifiable risk factors. The study will recruit approximately 400 adults aged 18 to 69 years from across the country. Data will be collected through a computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) adapted from the WHO STEPS survey and the National Health Survey 2023. Anthropometric assessment of blood pressure, body weight, height and waist circumference will be assessed using quality-assured and calibrated equipment. The findings will be analysed using SPSS and descriptive statistics. The study will generate data on risk factors causing hypertension and the finding may assist in combating the increasing trend of NCD and, in the long run, decelerate the rising NCD in Bhutan. |
| Objectives | 1. To determine the prevalence of hypertension among adults in Bhutan. 2. To describe the distribution of selected behavioural risk factors among Bhutanese adults. 3. To identify behavioural, socio-demographic, and anthropometric factors independently associated with hypertension among adults in Bhutan. |
| Study Methods | This study will employ quantitative cross-sectional analytical design. Cross-sectional studies are appropriate for estimating disease prevalence and examining associations between outcomes and exposures at a single point in time (Setia, 2016). The study will be conducted in Bhutan across sites selected from the eastern, western, northern, southern, and central regions. The target population will comprise Bhutanese adults aged 18 years and above residing in selected communities. Inclusion criteria are adults aged 18 years or older who live in the selected study areas and are willing and able to provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria will include pregnant women, critically ill individuals, individuals unable to participate because of severe cognitive or communication limitations, and individuals declining consent. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | This study is expected to make both empirical and practical contributions. Empirically, it will generate updated, field-based, and geographically distributed evidence on the prevalence of hypertension and its associated behavioural determinants among Bhutanese adults, thereby addressing an important gap in the existing literature. This study will be part of the fulfilment criteria for the master's degree program. |
| Keywords | hypertension, stress, BMI, Blood pressure, NCD |
Research Details
| Student research | Yes |
| Institution: Higher Education Leadership Institute | |
| Academic degree: Master | |
| Supervisor of the student(s) | |
| Full Name and title: Professor Albert P. Haddad | |
| Email: albert@leadwise.com.au | |
| Start Date | 29-Sep-2025 |
| End Date | 29-Sep-2027 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Higher Education Leadership Institute |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes, with randomly selected geographical areas |
| Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Non-communicable Disease |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Population-Based Survey | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | Approved |