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. 2022 Aug 1;9:898225. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.898225

Table 3.

Key findings, strengths, and limitations of included studies.

SN References Key findings Strengths and limitations
1 Acharya et al. (33) • About 31.3% (3592/11481) participants had hypertension.
• Among the hypertensive persons, 40.2% (1,444/3,592) were aware of their hypertension status.
• Among these who were aware, 79.4% (1,146/1,444) were taking antihypertensive medicine.
• However, the overall proportion of hypertensive patients taking medicine was 32.0% (1,146/3,592).
• The BP was controlled among 46% (527/1444) of participants who were under medication.
• At least three measures were taken, from which the last two were recorded
• Representativeness of the sampling is not mentioned
• Geography, caste/ethnicity and age distribution of the participants are not described
2 Adhikari (34) • Hypertension proportion (Camp) is 70% (1,301/1,857; Pre-HTN, HTN1 and HTN2)
• Proportion of hypertension among in-patients is 13.7%
• The report is service coverage based rather than outcome based.
3 Agho et al. (35) • Prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 26.9 and 17.2% respectively
• Prehypertension was present in 30.4% (95%CI: 28.7, 32.2) of males and 24.3% (95% CI: 23.1, 25.6) of females, while hypertension was present in 20.4%, (95% CI 18.9, 22.0) of males and 14.8%.
• Nationally representative sample
• Lack of temporal relationship with the risk factors and outcome
• Limited risk factors considered for study
• Post-earthquake situation which might interfere in psychosocial status interfering pre/HTN
4 Bhattarai et al. (36) • CVDs contributed to 26.9% of total deaths and 12.8% of total DALYs
• Ischemic heart disease and stroke were the predominant CVDs, contributing 16 4% (UI, 18.2–14.6) and 7.5% (UI 8.6–6.7) to total deaths and 7.5% (UI, 8.7–6.3) and 3.5% (UI, 4.0–3.0) of total DALYs, respectively.
• This is the first study to report on trends and distribution of the CVD burden at a national level in Nepal.
5 Bist et al. (37) • The prevalence of raised blood pressure was 24%
• The prevalence of raised blood sugar was 5.8%
• The prevalence of raised cholesterol was 11%
• The proportion of overweight was 24%
• Nationally representative sample
6 Brewis et al. (38) • The proportion of raised BP is 25.4% among male and 19.3% in female • Nationally representative sample
• The relationship between de/hydration and BP and the direction of effect was measured
7 Aryal et al. (39) • Proportion of hypertension (including under treatment) is 46.1 and 40.9% in urban and rural areas of Mustang, respectively; and 54.5 and 29.1% in urabn and rural areas of Humla
• 30.9% of participants are prediabetic
• 6.9% were diabetic
• Prevalence of pre-diabetes was significantly higher in rural settings compared to urban settings (p < 0.01)
• Selection bias on sampling the survey used non-fasting blood samples for determination of a lipid profile which might interfere with the TG level.
8 Das Gupta et al. (40) • Prevalence of hypertension was 21% (JNC7) and 44% (2017 ACC/AHA)
• Prevalence of hypertension awareness was 37.1 and 43.9% in male and female, respectively.
• Prevalence of antihypertensive medication was 47.5 and 50.1% in male and females, respectively
• Prevalence of control of hypertension among the hypertensive was 53.5 and 49.2% among male and female, respectively.
• Blood pressure was measured three times in a single day for the study whereas JNC7 guideline recommends longitudinal measurement
• Possibly misclassification bias
• Robust association between the outcome variables and caste could not be obtained due to missing data
9 Das Gupta et al. (41) • Overall prevalence of hypertension was 21.1% • Three blood pressure measurements were recorded; all were done in a single visit within a 5-min interval
10 Datta and Humagain (42) • Overall prevalence of prehypertensive and hypertensive women were 24.30% and 10.86 whose husband did not consume alcohol•4.5% point gap in hypertension prevalence between wives of alcohol-consuming husbands and those of husbands not consuming alcohol
• Likelihood of being hypertensive of Nepalese women was 12.8%
• Husband's alcohol consumption, as a factor of wives' hypertension status.
11 Dhungana et al. (43) • The most prevalent comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes was 5.7% followed by HTN and COPD (4.8%), and HTN and CKD (4%) • Secondary analysis of the data from the NCD survey 2018
• Chronic disease multimorbidity determinants and patterns study
12 Dhungana et al. (44) • Prevalence of hypertension was 34.6% and diabetes 10.5%
• 23.2% were not taking any antihypertensive medications among the aware hypertensive patients
• 47.2% had controlled blood pressure level among the hypertensive medicine users
• Among the Diabetics, only 59.3% were taking medication
• Cross-sectional study
• Recall bias while recording dietary and medication history and assessing seven days physical activities
13 Ene-Iordache et al. (45) • Prevalence of hypertension was 23% in the general population and 38% among high risk cohorts (Framingham risk score)
• Prevalence of awareness being onset of disease is 59 and 71% for HTN and Diabetes (74 vs. 56% for HTN and 80 vs. 69% for Diabetes among high risk cohorts and general population)
• Self-reported of onset of having disease is 11 and 4%, respectively among high risk cohorts and general population
• Individuals were screened based on convenience sampling, section bias on recruiting volunteers who will provide the testing
14 Ghimire et al. (46) • Proportion of Hypertension was 57.2%
• Proportion of Diabetes was 15%
• Nationally representative survey data
• Age group of only 60–69 years, though >30% population is over 70 years, so generalizability is limited.
15 Ghimire et al. (47) • Prevalence of raised blood pressure was 31.4% • Self-reporting of disease status
• Non-response rate-21.84%
16 Gyawali et al. (48) • Mean cost case treatment was ranged from 484.8 to 445.9 USD per annum and per visit 5.1–16.2 USD
• Prevalence of DM Type 2 ranges from 4.5% to as high as 19% in urban Nepal and rural prevalence ranging from 0.3 to 2.5%
• Costing study of DM
• Limited to the selected database source
• Urban-focused
17 Paudel et al. (49) • Almost one-fourth (29.49%) of the adult population in the community suffered from hypertension.
• Less than half (43.2%) of the hypertensive patients were aware of their conditions
• 94.9% were taking antihypertensive medication and 68.4% had their blood pressure controlled
• This study is one of the few studies of Kaski district, Nepal to assess the awareness, treatment and control status of hypertensive patients.
• This study limits its scope as the causal inferences could not be drawn.
• This study is based on one district of Nepal and is not representative of the whole country due to the high ethnic, dietary, cultural, and geographical variation in the country
18 Peoples et al. (50) Quantitative finding
• Medicine cost was rated “too expensive” by 52 and 63% of rural and urban participants, respectively.
• Perceived poor bedside manner was tied to negative perceptions of PHC quality, and vice versa.
• Lack of resources and excessive barriers to care were mentioned by every interviewee.
Qualitative finding
• PHC use was high and satisfaction was low.
• Most of the people were found unaware and didn't have any idea how to manage the disease when they were interviewed
• The study is claimed to be the first to examine perception and use of PHC services for Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) in Nepal.
• The use of only two districts of Nepal as study sites, the use of cluster convenience sampling, and the limited sample size.
19 Rana et al. (51) • Women were having lower prevalence of hypertension compared with men for both measured (16.0%, 95% CI: 14.8, 17.3 vs. 22.8%, 95% CI: 21.2, 24.5) and medical hypertension (21.7%, 95% CI: 20.4, 23.0 vs. 29.1%, 95% CI: 27.4, 30.8) and the differences were significant statistically in both measurements (p < 0.001).
• People living in urban areas were having higher prevalence of hypertension compared with people living in rural areas for both measured (19.5%, 95% CI: 18.7, 20.4 vs. 17.9%; 95% CI: 16.9, 19.0) and medical (26.2%, 95% CI: 25.2, 27.1 vs. 22.7%; 95% CI: 21.6, 23.8) hypertension and the differences were significant statistically (p < 0.001) only for medical hypertension.
• There was an overall 21% increase in the prevalence of hypertension, with the highest increase in the male population (23%)
• Assessed the association between SES and hypertension according to standard hypertension JNC7 guideline and a new guideline recommended by the ACC/AHA 2017.
• The study could not assess the causality of the associations between Socio Economic Status and hypertension due to the cross-sectional nature of the data
20 Rai et al. (52) • Hypertension was the common systemic disease associated in 40.8% of the cases, followed by diabetes in 32.5% and combined diabetes and hypertension in 20.2%.
• Wealthy urban population in Nepal had higher prevalence, awareness, treatment and control than the poorer and poorest population.
• The odds of being hypertensive was higher in men compared to women 1.96 (1.59–2.44) for Nepal)
• Recorded data was analyzed for HTN and DM, of the eye patients visiting a tertiary eye care center
• Ocular co-morbidities have not been included, so a certain proportion might have been missed
21 Rauniyar et al. (31) • Prevalence of hypertension in Nepal was 19.6%.
• Less than one-third (20.2%) of the hypertensive population received treatment and 10.4% among them had their blood pressure controlled.
• The odds of being hypertensive was higher in men compared to women1.96 (1.59–2.44).
• Prevalence of hypertension was 7.1 (2.9–11.4) percentage points higher in affluent populations compared to the disadvantaged ones in Nepal.
• Provides detailed information on existing inequalities in prevalence and management of hypertension
• The study cannot be generalized to population aged 50 years and above
22 Sainju et al. (53) • Pre-hypertension and hypertension were seen in 11.02 and 30.17% of the study population, respectively
• Almost three-fifths of the obese participants were hypertensive
• Sample is not nationally representative
• Single episode of measurement of blood pressure (three readings) was taken, which may not be sufficient to diagnose hypertension in the population.
• There could be an error due to observer variation in hearing the Koratkoff sound in crowed places
23 Saito et al. (54) • Prevalence of hypertension (36.7%)
• Prevalence of diabetes (14.4%)
• Self-reported assessment of illness may be biased
• Face-to-face interview (only by asking) may not suffice to assess all the NCD risk factors
• Data was collected in winter season, which might have affected the prevalence
24 Paudel et al. (55) • 9% had diabetes with the prevalence higher among males (12.7%) than females (6.9%)
• Overweight and obesity, Waist Circumference >102 cm (males) or >88 cm (females), a triglyceride level ≥150 mg/dL and total 14 cholesterol ≥190 mg/dL were associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Measurement and modeling of multiple behavioral, socio-economic and biological risk factors assessed
• STEP survey data of 2013 re-analyzed for 40–69 yrs age group
25 Gyawali et al. (56) • Prevalence of type 2 diabetes 11.7% (95% CI: 10.4–13.1)
• Prevalence of prediabetes 13.0% (95% CI: 11.8–14.5)
• Nearly two-fifths (35%) unaware of their disease
• Nearly 94% of those aware were receiving some kind of treatment such as insulin or oral anti-diabetic medications and counseling
• Control rate was less than one quarter of those who were receiving treatment (21%)
• One of the few studies on the awareness, treatment and control of diabetes in Nepal through validated STEPS questionnaire and fasting blood glucose measurements according to the WHO recommendations
• The use of self-reported physical activity measures that are subjected to recall bias and over-reporting could have increased the possibility of exposure misclassification
26 Shrestha et al. (57) • The prevalence of T2DM, pre diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance in Nepal was estimated to be 10, 19.4, and 11%, respectively.
• Normal waist circumference, normal blood pressure and no history of T2DM in a family has 64.1, 62.1, and 67.3%, respectively
• Heterogeneity in the studies due to variation in the T2DM diagnostic criteria and different demographics of the population
27 Shrestha et al. (58) • Prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes was 9.2% (95% CI 6.6–12.6%) and 8.5% (95% CI 6.9–10.4%), respectively.
• 52.7% (95% CI 41.7–63.4%) were aware of their diabetes status. 45.3% (95%CI 31.6–59.8%) were taking antidiabetic medications.
• High heterogeneity between the reported diabetes prevalence across the included studies
• Nearly one-third of those under antidiabetic treatment (36.7%; 95% CI 21.3–53.3%) had their blood glucose under control
28 Shrestha et al. (59) • Prevalence of hypertension and pre-pre hypertension was 40.67 and 36.77%, respectively
• Age AOR for being hypertensive for males compared with females was 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.02)
• Sex AOR for being hypertensive was 1.61 (95% CI 1.35–1.91) for the age group 55–69 compared with age group 40–54 years.
• Participants with WC measures greater than the cut-off value were twice as likely to be hypertensive (2.02; 95%CI 1.66–2.45) than people with normal WC
• Waist to height ratio and waist circumference were also included for picking up obesity with higher cardiovascular risk despite normal body mass index
• Underlying causes and co-morbidities are not included
29 Silvanus et al. (60) • Prevalence of known diabetes (50/306) was an estimated 16.34% (95% CI: 12.62% to 20.90%)
• 46.09% were classified as high risk, 44.53% as moderate risk and 9.38% as low risk for developing diabetes
• The tabulated sensitivity (true positive rate) of the IDRS cut-off score ≥60 (high risk classification) was found to be 84.21% with a specificity (true negative rate) of 55.24%
• The false positive rate and false negative rate was 44.76 and 15.79%, respectively.
• The positive predictive value was 20.0% and negative predictive value was 96.34%
• Community-based study design to screen for undiagnosed diabetes, the step wise approach including the non-invasive tool and estimation of RCBG and the use of both FPG and the 2 h PG following a 75 g OGTT to identify diabetes and prediabetes
• A community-based screening program can attract persons who have the health condition, those with a propensity to seek health care or who are more interested in their health which can introduce a selection bias
30 Silvanus et al. (61) • Prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 4.32% (95% CI 1.75–8.70%) and that of prediabetes was 7.14% (95% CI 3.89–12.58%)
• The overall prevalence of persons with “raised blood glucose” was 11.73% (95% CI 5.64–21.28%)
• All of the persons with prediabetes (n = 12) had IGT
• Recognizing the use of glucometer and capillary sampling in low- and middle-income countries
• Two glucometers were used during the screening camp, within glucometer variation was not studied
31 Tan et al. (62) • Most individuals with hypertension could link hypertension to its causes, symptoms and complications
• Some individuals with hypertension occasionally stopped medication due to forgetfulness, negligence, laziness, and affordability issues
• First qualitative study in Nepal involving a range of stakeholders to gather multidimensional insights into hypertension management
• Qualitative design and small sample size limit the generalizability of the study findings
32 Tang et al. (63) • The range of 8.2–12.1% and 4.3–9.1% missed and overidentified hypertensive, respectively found when only 1st measurement was taken.
• The range of 4.9–6.4% and 2.0–4.4% missed and overidentified hypertensive, respectively, found when only 2nd measurement was taken but for this, all the participants needed to go through screening.
• The range of 3.8–8.1% and 2.0–3.9% missed and overidentified hypertensive, respectively, found when 2nd measurement was taken only for those having BP ≥ 130/80 during 1st screening. The range (%) of the participants needed to screen in the conditional screening (BP ≥ 130/80) for 2nd time is only 33.8–59.8%
• Hence, resource cost is reduced by 40.2–66.2% when conditional sequential screening is carried out
• Comparison of 1st, 2nd, and conditional 3rd screening was carried out so as to assess the difference in resources used
• Survey data of USA is taken from 1999–2016 whereas findings from opportunistic screenings of May Measurement Month of 2017–18 for India and Nepal were used
33 Timilsina (64) • Prevalence of DM among TB patients was 18.84%. • Sample was taken purposively
34 Sharma et al. (65) • The prevalence of diabetes, pre-diabetic and glucose intolerance among tuberculosis patient was 11.9, 17.2, and 17.8%, respectively.
• Current alcohol consumer as the significant predictor of diabetes among the tuberculosis patient
• The Fasting Blood Sugar and 2-h Post-Prandial Blood Sugar were assessed by the glucose oxidase method
• Facility-based DOTS center sample was taken
35 Yadav et al. (66) • 56% were diagnosed as hypertensive;
• 29% were pre-hypertensives;
• 16.3% had 1st stage hypertension and 11% had 2nd stage hypertension
• The study sample was obtained from the tertiary level teaching hospital
• Less generalizability at population
36 Hassan et al. (67) • Among the total hypertensive participants, identified only in NDHS 2016 survey but not by professionals earlier, prevalence of diagnosed hypertension was
 -Total, 49.6%;
 -Province 1, 53%; Madhesh Province, 53.1%;
Bagmati Province, 52.7%; Gandaki Province, 46.9%; Lumbini Province, 45.4%; Karnali Province, 39.8%; SudurPaschim Province, 41.9%

• Mountain, 47.1%; Hill, 48.3%; Terai, 51.4%
• Prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 50.4%
• Proportion of hypertension awareness among the hypertensives was 49.6%.
• Undiagnosed hypertension was disproportionately higher among lower socioeconomic status groups (Concentration Index, C = −0.18, p < 0.001).
• Nationally representative, cross-sectional data to determine the prevalence
• Other behavioral and lifestyle factors potentially relevant to undiagnosed hypertension, for example, physical activity, dietary patterns and family history of hypertension, that were not explored in this study.
37 Kadaria and Aro (68) • 52% were moderately active
• 28% were highly active
• Facilitators and barriers physical activity were assessed
• Self reporting and its recall bias on measure of physical activity
38 Karmacharya et al. (69) • Proportion of hypertension awareness among the hypertensives was 44.7%
• Prevalence of taking antihypertensive treatment was only 76.1% (among the known hypertensives and 33.2% among the total)
• Prevalence of control of hypertension was 35.3% among the known hypertensive and 11.7% of the total
• Spectrum of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension
• BP was taken in home setting and single day measurement cause false readings and affect the study
• The targeted study was conducted at Dhulikhel which has teaching hopsital that could impact on level of awareness and control of HTN among the participants.
39 Khanal et al. (70) • Proportion of participants controlling Systolic BP increased to 58.3% from 3.3% compared to only to 40% among the intervention vs. control group
• Percentage of the controlled Diastolic BP increased by 30% after the intervention compared to only 20% on usual care (control)
• The study was study was conducted in one municipality and high number of female respondents thus limited generalization.
• The blood pressure measured twice at 3-min interval in a single visit
40 Khanal et al. (71) • Prevalence of hypertension was 38.9%2
• 53.4% were aware about their HTN status
• The study was conducted in one municipality and high number of female respondents thus limited generalization
• 29% on treatment among the hypertensive, and
• 8.2% had controlled blood pressure among the treated
• Self-reported prevalence of Diabetes was 6.9%
• The blood pressure measured twice at 3-min interval in a single visit
• Presence of diabetes was determined as reported by participants without blood sugar measurement
41 Kibria et al. (72) • HTN prevalence, 44.2% (as per 2017 ACC/AHA) but only 21.2% (as per JNC 7 guideline)
• HTN awareness proportion, 40.4% (as per 2017 ACC/AHA) but only 23.6% (as per JNC 7 guideline)
• 20.4 vs. 9.8% (as per JNC vs. 2017 ACC/AHA category) of those who would have been considered hypertensive were taking antihypertensive medications
• Among the hypertensives, about 9.7 and 7.2% had a controlled blood pressure level, respectively (as per JNC vs. 2017 ACC/AHA category)
• The survey data was nationally representative
• Blood pressure of the participants was measured 3 times in a single day while both guidelines recommend the longitudinal measurement
• Comparison and effectiveness of two methods of BP measurement and classification
42 Koirala et al. (73) • Proportion of controlled BP among the hypertensives was 75% • Sample size is low and generalizability is limited.
43 Koirala et al. (74) • 20.7% of participants were hypertensive Proportion of Intermediate Hyperglycemia was 31.6 and 4.6% was of DM based on Hba1C measure • Sample size is low and generalizability is limited due to single village taken for sampling
• Fasting blood sugar was not taken for confirming DM diagnosis
44 Kushwaha and Kadel (75) • Prevalence of diabetes mellitus was found as 4.38%. • Glucometer with glucose sticks was used to measure the random blood sugar level which was not recommended in respect to fasting blood glucose with biochemistry method
45 Mehata et al. (76) • The overall prevalence of MetS is 15 and 16% according to Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, respectively
• Triad of low HDL-C, abdominal obesity and high BP was the most prevalent (8.18%), followed by abdominal obesity, low HDL-C cholesterol and high triglycerides (8%)
• Provides the first nationally representative estimates on prevalence, disaggregated by sub-groups, and factors attributed to metabolic Syndrome among adult population of Nepal
46 Mehata et al. (77) • Prevalence of hypertension was 18% (95% CI 16.7–19.2)
• Among the total hypertensive individuals, only 38% were aware of their hypertensive status
• 18% were taking antihypertensive medication
• Half of the hypertensive participants on treatment (52%) had their blood pressure under control.
• Based on a large national sample consisting of both urban and rural populations in Nepal
• Dietary habits, alcohol intake or physical activity as the major determinants of hypertension status could not be explored
47 Mishra et al. (78) • Prevalence of hypertension was 19.5% (95% CI: 18.3–20.7)
• Of total hypertensives, the prevalence of hypertension awareness, treatment and control was 40.0% (95% CI: 37.5–42.6), 20.2% (95% CI: 18.0–22.2) and 10.5% (95% CI: 8.8–12.2), respectively
• First nationwide study to examine socio-economic disparities in hypertension burden and cascade of services
48 Mizuno et al. (79) • Hypertension was 23%
• The urinary lead concentrations were positively associated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Urinary selenium concentrations were negatively associated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Wide variation of data (17 communities with various characteristics across four Asian countries)
• Association of heavy metals (Pb and Se) were associated with hypertension
49 Bista et al. (80) • 22.2% were overweight and obese
• 11.5% of the participants were hypertensive.
• Around 6% of participants had co-occurrence of two NCDs risk factors.
• Adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) was calculated from multiple poisson regression method
• Secondary data analyzed for reproductive aged women
50 Neupane et al. (81) • Low, medium, and high levels of knowledge about hypertension were 43, 24, and 31%, respectively
• No significant differences were observed in the knowledge and attitudes related to hypertension in relation to demographic characteristics of FCHV.
• A majority of FCHV agreed that smoking (69.8%), alcohol (77.8%), low physical activity (42.4%), high salt intake (65.4%), high fat intake (78.7%), and genetics (53.9%) are major risk factors for hypertension.
• The study was conducted only among FCHV based in 1 municipality in Nepal
51 Neupane et al. (82) • HTN was 29.6%, M = 55.4%; F = 24.1
• Pre-HTN was 20.6%
• The mean systolic blood pressure at 1 year was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group for all cohorts: the difference was −2·28 mm Hg (95% CI −3·77 to −0·79, p = 0·003) for participants who were normotensive, −3·08 mm Hg (−5·58 to −0·59, p = 0·015) for participants who were prehypertensive, and −4·90 mm Hg (−7·78 to −2·00, p = 0·001) for participants who were hypertensive
• First cluster-randomized controlled trial to report systolic blood pressure among normotensive, prehypertensive, and hypertensive populations through an existing network of community health workers
52 Neupane et al. (83) • The age and sex adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 28%
• Among hypertensive participants, 46% were aware of their preexisting hypertension, 31% were on hypertensive medication, and 15% met BP control targets
• Increasing age (1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.06; 1.08), higher body mass index (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06; 1.12), men (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.25; 2.14), harmful alcohol intake (Or: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.73; 3.51), family history of hypertension (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.14; 1.76), and diabetes (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.30; 3.33) were independently associated with hypertension
• High response rate, adequate representation of both sexes, utilizing average of two BP measurements preceded by a first disregarded measurement and detailed information on the history of hypertension, and pharmacological treatments.
53 Niraula et al. (84) • Serum ADA levels (U/L) was significantly raised in Uncontrolled Diabetic patients (49.24 ± 16.89) compared to controlled population (35.74 ± 16.78) and healthy controls (10.55 ± 2.20), p-value < 0.001
• A significant positive correlation was obtained between Serum ADA and HbA1c, Fasting Plasma Glucose and Post-prandial Glucose respectively
• Serum Adenosine deaminase (ADA) level can also be used as a biomarker in predicting glycemic control in diabetic patients
• ADA level also indicates the presence of other diseases
• Hospital based comparative cross-sectional study
• Convenient sampling