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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutrient analysis and value addition of underutilized fish
    (Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Jishy, K K; KAU; Omana Pavunny, E
    Fish contains the best proteins and other superior nutritional constituents that place them in a specially important category of food. It has very poor shelf life. Hence, the present study on nutrient analysis and value addition of under utilized fish was aimed at evaluating the nutrients and developing products from three under utilized fish varieties namely netholi (Stoliphorus heterolobus), flat fish (Cynoglossus macrostorus) and veluri (Kovala kova/). This will help in meeting the increasing demand for fish; to avoid wastage of small fish and to provide income to the fisher women. The fresh and dried fish varieties were analysed for chemical constituents like moisture, fat, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A and peroxide value. Fish was found to be rich sources of protein, calcium and phosphorus. Chemical constituents varied significantly between the varieties. The dried fish was packed in polythene covers and was stored for a period of three months. The peroxide value increased during the storage but the increase was not significant. Dried netholi had the highest peroxide value throughout the storage period. The organoleptic qualities decreased during storage. The change of organoleptic scores was not significant; veluri had the highest acceptability throughout the storage period. Microbial enumeration revealed that bacterial population increased I slightly during storage and fungus was found only in second and third month of storage. No traces of yeast were found throughout the storage period. The pickle prepared from fresh and dried fish was stored in glass bottle and polyester laminated HDPE film for a period of six months. The peroxide value of the pickle increased during the storage but the increase was insignificant. The acidity of the pickle increased significantly. The pickle stored in flexible packaging material had higher peroxide value and acidity than pickle stored in glass bottle. Dried fish pickle had higher peroxide value and acidity than fresh fish pickle. The organoleptic evaluation of pickle revealed that appearance and colour decreased during storage. The flavour texture, taste and overall acceptability of pickle increased during storage. Changes in organoleptic scores except appearance were insignificant. Appearance decreased significantly. The pickle stored in glass bottle had better acceptability than pickle stored in polyester laminated IIDPE film, but the variation was insignificant. The fresh fish pickle had better acceptability and among them veluri pickle was found to be the best. A gradual increase in the bacterial and fungal load with storage of pickle was observed but yeast was not found during the storage. The benefit cost analysis showed that all products had BC ratio above one hence, all are economically beneficial.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutritional profile of fisher women
    (Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Saleena, K; KAU; Omana, Pavunny
    A study on "nutritional profile of fisher women" was conducted among 100 fisher women of 18-45 years age group in the coastal areas of Thrissur district. The result of the study indicated that majority of them were Hindus. Nuclear family system was found in most of the families and family size ranged in between 3 to 5. Most of the male and female members were literate and engaged in fish related work. Majority of the families had a monthly income in between Rs.500 to Rs.1500. Maximum proportion of income was spent on food items and majority of the families did not have the habit of saving money. Majority of the families had their own houses with brick as wall -.-- material and with thatched or concrete roof. Majority of the houses had separate kitchen with 3 to 5 rooms. Drinking water, electricity and lavatory facilities were satisfactory whereas drainage facilities were found to be inadequate. As a medical aid majority of the families depended on district hospital, primary health centre as well as private doctors for their medical care. Majority of the families were members ofmatsyafed. All the families were non vegetarians and consumed rice as the staple food. Maximum percentage of the food expenditure was for cereals. The most frequently used food items were cereals, fish, fats and oils, sugar and spices and condiments. None of the families planed their meals in advance and maintain time schedule for taking meals. Majority of the families consumed food three times a day and did not give equal importance to all family members in food distribution. Special foods were included in the diet during pregnancy, lactation and infancy. Diet modification during disease conditions was observed. The nutritional profile of the respondents indicated that the body weight of33 per cent and height of24 per cent of the respondents were lower than the reference body weight and height for an Indian reference woman. About 13 per cent of the respondents had various grades of CED. The waist hip ratio indicated that about 97 per cent of the respondents had femoral gluteal obesity and 3 per cent had abdominal obesity. Dietary profile of respondents indicated that all the food groups were far below the requirement except for fish. The nutrient intake was satisfactory only with respect to protein. Clinical examination showed vanous symptoms of nutritional deficiencies among the respondents. Actual nutrient intake of the respondents indicated that except fat, calcium and vitamin C, all nutrients were lower than the RDA. Biochemical estimation of blood showed 35 per cent of respondents had low haemoglobin values, indicating anaemia.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effectiveness of IEC materials on health and nutritional practices of adolescent girls
    (Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2004) Sheela, K V; KAU; Subaidabeevi, S
    A study entitled the "Effectiveness of lEC materials on health and nutritional practices of adolescent girls" was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of information education and communication materials on the knowledge and adoption of health and nutritional practices by the adolescent girls and also to find out the comparative effectiveness of the formulated lEC materials. The study was carried out in Venganoor and Thiruvallam Higher Secondary Schools in Thiruvananthapuram district. The formulated lEC materials viz., flash cards, charts, posters and leaflets were tested for their effecti veness. The topic selected to teach the respondents were importance of nutritious food, body changes in adolescent period, health care and reproductive health and hygiene. Hundred adolescent girls of APL and BPL families belonging to the age group of 13 to 15 years form the study sample. All respondents were exposed to the selected topics at one-week interval using the formulated lEC materials. Gain in knowledge, retention in knowledge and the adoption of gained knowledge on health, and nutritional practices are the dependent variables. Age, family size, type of family, monthly income, educational status of the respondent and family, mass media contact, basic facilities available in the family, health profile and nutritional status were selected as independent variables. The results revealed that the educational programme USing lEC materials had significant effect on the knowledge and adoption of health and nutritional practices by the adolescent girls. The gain in knowledge and retention was more on the topic reproductive health and its hygiene. The lEC materials i. e., lecture + flashcard + leaflet was the most effecti ve in terms of gain knowledge and adoption of knowledge. The knowledge adoption was also more on the topic reproductive health and hygiene and the retention was more in the respondent, who were exposed to treatment 4 i. e., lecture + demonstration + exhibition. The correlation between the overall knowledge gain, retention, adoption and socio-economic variables revealed that the retention have significant relationship with income, education and food consumption pattern. The adoption of the respondents of APL and BPL families have significant relationship with the personal hygiene. The relative effectiveness of the formulated TEe materials revealed that there was significant difference between the selected lEe materials of teaching. The lecture methods in combination with formulated lEe materials have more influence on the gain retention and adoption of knowledge when compared with the lecture method alone.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Quality evaluation of selected leafy vegetables consumed by the tribes of Wayanad district
    (Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Neetha Hyder, C; KAU; Indira, V
    The study entitled 'Quality evaluation of selected leafy vegetables consumed by the tribes of Wayanad District' was undertaken to estimate the nutrient composition, anti- nutritional factors and organoleptic qualities of the ten leafy vegetables consumed by the tribal communities ofWayanad district. The leaves were analysed for moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, total carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, carotene and vitamin C. The results revealed that among the nutritional constituents, protein content was highest in Thakara than the other nine leafy vegetables. The fat , phosphorus, and sodium were highest in Kandariyila, where as Kannisoup had the highest value for total carbohydrates, iron and potassium. The highest crude fibre, calcium and ~ carotene were in Valiya kadaladi. Chumalacheera was found to have the highest vitamin C content among the ten leafy vegetables studied. The anti-nutritional factors namely oxalates and nitrates III the leaves indicated that Kandariyila had the highest oxalate and nitrate content. Oxalate content was found to be low in Kozhuppa, while Kannisoup had the lowest nitrate content. Other chemical constituents like phenols, flavanoids and methanol extractable crude alkaloids were also estimated. The total phenol content was highest in Chumalacheera whereas, the flavanoid and methanol extractable crude alkaloid contents were found to be highest in Kandariyila. The average nutritive value computed on the basis of nutrient content of the leafy vegetables revealed that Valiya kadaladi had the highest nutritive value among the leafy vegetables selected for the study. Organoleptic evaluation of the leafy vegetables indicated Churuli as the most acceptable one. Based on the nutrient and anti nutrient composition, the leafy vegetables were grouped into four clusters, each cluster containing similar leafy vegetables. Cluster I contained Churuli, Kandariyila and Murikkila. Kozhuppa and Valiya kadaladi were included in Cluster II and III respectively. Ambasheppu, Chumalacheera, Kannisoup, Ponnankanni and Thakara were included in Cluster IV. Valiya kadaladi, which was included as the sole member of Cluster III, was found to be the best with respect to higher nutrients and lower anti-nutritional factors.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutritional awareness among the participants of national nutritional anaemia prophylaxis programme
    (Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Bhuvaneshwari, P; KAU; Geetha, P
    Iron deficiency anaemia is a major global nutritional problem and is prevalent in 50-80 per cent of population in different parts of India. Towards reducing anaemia, the government of India (GOI) launched the National Nutritional Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme (NNAPP) in 1970.National Anaemia control and Prophylaxis Programme has been fighting the relentless struggle to control the ailment since 1970, but has not yielded much. Hence a study entitled “Nutritional awareness among the participants of NNAPP” was undertaken to elicit the existing knowledge, attitude and practice on the programme among the participants identify the lacunae and to suggest correct preventive measures among the participants and to study its impact through KAP studies. For pre test and posttest of knowledge and attitude suitably structured and pre test checklists were used. The dietary practice was assessed through food use frequency studies before and after the education programme. The regularity in the consumption of IFA tablets by the beneficiaries was studied before and after the intervention on consumption basis. The data pertaining to the socio economic and personal characteristics, health and nutritional profile and their participation in the NNAPP of the participants were ascertained with the help of a structured and pre tested interview schedule. The collected data were tabulated, analysed statistically and the results were interpreted. Majority of the selected participants (84 per cent) in the study belonged to the age group of 21-30 years. Nearly 59 per cent belonged to Hindu community. Most of the participants were from nuclear family with medium level of education, low monthly income and moderate physical amenities. Majority of the families possessed television and radio in their homes and 72 per cent of the participants were members of one or other organization. Anthropometric measurements revealed that body mass index of 50 per cent of the women beneficiaries were found to fall in the normal range, weight for height of child beneficiaries revealed that only 31 per cent were normal, 47 per cent were stunted and remaining 20 per cent of the child beneficiaries were stunted and wasted. Haemoglobin level of the beneficiaries revealed that only 17 per cent were normal.40 percent were moderately anaemic and 37 per cent had mild anaemia. However 6 per cent were found to be severely anaemic. Mean food intake of the beneficiaries revealed that the food group, which met the RDA least, was green leafy vegetables followed by fruits, milk and milk products, fats ad oils, and even sugar. Mean nutrient intake of the women beneficiaries revealed that iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C and folic acid were far below the RDA stipulated. Mean nutrient intake of the child beneficiaries indicated that energy, protein, iron, vitamin C and folic acid were below the RDA. Nutritional Status Index of the beneficiaries indicated medium and high Nutritional Status Index among 81 per cent of the beneficiaries and only 19 per cent of the beneficiaries were in the low Nutritional Status Index. Majority of the participants relied more on the anganwadi workers than the PHC staff for iron and folic acid supplements. Less than 25 per cent of the participants participated in the meetings, campaign, nutrition and health education classes consistently.52 percent of the beneficiaries never consumed the IFA tablets. Participation Index of the beneficiaries in the programme related activities of PHC revealed that 58 per cent had medium level of Participation Index. Data collected on the constraints faced by the beneficiaries revealed that irregular supply of supplements, gastro intestinal side effects, forgetfulness, blind beliefs and lack of awareness were the constraints experienced by the beneficiaries/participants. The pre test scores revealed the lack of knowledge of the participants about various aspects of anaemia and its prevalence, role of iron and dietary modification, and anaemia control progrmme objectives. The education programme of three days duration was conducted for the benefit of the participants to impart required information on the above areas. The education programme had significant effect on the gain in knowledge as well as change in attitude and extent of adoption of practices. Correlation of selected independent variables of participants on the knowledge, attitude and practice revealed that there was significant positive correlation was observed with educational status, participation index and knowledge. Significant positive correlation was observed with age, educational status and attitude. Comparison of mean scores of pre test and post test knowledge, attitude and practice revealed that education programme had significant improvement in the awareness of the participants.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Impact of dietary counseling on the food habits of fisherfolk
    (Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Ramlath, P H; KAU; Soffi, Cherian
    The study entitled “Impact of dietary counseling on the food habits of fisher folk” was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the beneficial effects of dietary counseling on the food habits & health related personal habits of fisher folk. The study was carried out among fisher folk at Adimalathura in Trivandrum district. One hundred samples, both men and women in the age group of 40-50 years who were habituated with chewing, smoking and alcoholism were screened for the study. Personal profile of the fisher folk indicated that majority of the subjects were between the age of 46-50 years and all of them belonged to Christian community. Majority of the subjects were illiterate and their occupation is fishing or fish vending. 91 per cent of the families were of nuclear type and it was found that majority of the families were medium to large sized having 6 to 8 members. Majority of the subjects had monthly income ranged between 1000-1250. Most of the families were spending more than 800 rupees on food and up to 400 rupees on medicine. Details on the personal habits of the fisher folk viz. smoking, chewing and alcoholism were collected. Out of the 60 male subjects under study 33.37 per cent of them were smokers and majority of them were accustomed to this habit for more than 20 years. The frequency of smoking revealed that all of them smoke more than 15 times a day. All the subjects both males and females were regular chewers of betel quid. All the respondents used betel, tobacco, chunna and arecanut as ingredients in their chewing quid. Sixty per cent of male and 47.50 per cent of female subjects chew more than ten times a day and also the quid was allowed to remain in the mouth for more than 1½ hours. With regard to alcohol consumption 53.33 per cent of the men folk were regular users of alcohol and the majority started taking alcohol at an early age of 15 years. None of the female subjects were habituated to alcoholism. All the subjects were non-vegetarians and none of them followed a specific meal pattern. Most of the male subjects had the habit of taking food from hotels or restaurants. Frequency of use of various foods revealed that rice, coconut, fish, sugar and beverages like coffee or tea were the food items included daily in their diet. Consumption of egg, pulses, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits were either occasional or never used in their diet. Male subjects were consuming food items like egg and meat frequently since they take meals outside home. Frequency of use of foods rich in antioxidants & phytochemicals indicated that such neutraceuticals were mostly not included in the diet or occasionally used by the fisher folk. Actual food intake of the male respondents revealed that the diet was satisfactory in all the foods except green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits. Their nutrient intake was also satisfactory except β-carotene when compared to RDA. Actual food intake of the female respondents revealed that their diet was inadequate in all the foods. A deficiency in all nutrients except calcium when compared to RDA was found. Anthropometric data of the subjects showed that majority of the male subjects had normal height, weight and BMI. While majority of the female subjects had poor body parameters for weight, height and BMI. Clinical examination of the fisher folk revealed that deficiency symptoms of vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C were observed among the subjects. Majority of the subjects showed symptoms like mottled enamel and dental caries. Clinical manifestations of leukoplakia was observed among 53.33 per cent male and 57.58 per cent female subjects symptoms like Sub Mucous Fibrosis (SMF) and oral ulcers were also present in many of the subjects. Haemoglobin level of the subjects indicated that 18.33 per cent of male and 52.50 per cent of female subjects were anaemic. Morbidity pattern of the subjects for the previous six months of study indicated that chickungunia, chicken pox, skin diseases and malaria were the diseases occurred widely among the fisher folk. The impact of dietary counseling was assessed in terms of changes in dietary habits, personal habits, personal hygiene, general health status and knowledge gain of the subjects. The frequency score of many protective food items (vegetable & fruits) and foods rich in antioxidants & phytochemicals have been increased as an effect of dietary counseling. Counseling could bring beneficial changes in certain unhealthy personal habits of fisher folk viz. smoking, chewing and alcoholism. 30 per cent of the subjects could be motivated to reduce their frequency of smoking. As an effect of counseling majority of the subjects were persuaded to exclude tobacco in their chewing quid and 31.67 per cent of male and 36.67 per cent of female subjects were made to reduce their chewing time. Oral hygiene of the subjects could also be improved. Better personal hygienic habits could be inculcated among the respondents due to counseling. The knowledge level of the fisher folk could also be improved considerably as an impact of dietary counseling.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Diet,lifestyle pattern and health profile of professionals in software industry
    (Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Renjini, R; KAU; Suma, Divakar
    The present study on the ‘Diet, lifestyle pattern and health profile of professionals in software industry‘ was conducted to assess the socio–economic characteristics, dietary pattern, lifestyle and health profile of professionals. Hundred software professionals were selected from Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, towards the study. A group of 50 professionals were taken as control group, with similar age, educational qualification and 5 years of experience status. The family back ground of the respondents revealed that, in both groups most of them belonged to nuclear families. Marital status of the respondents also showed that majority of them in both groups were unmarried. Educational status of the respondents indicated that in both groups majority of the respondents had completed their degree level of education and majority had an experience of 5 – 10 years in their occupation. The personal income of the IT respondents showed that majority had a monthly income between Rs. 50000 – 100000 and their monthly family income fell in the income group of Rs. 100001 – 200000. The assessment of social participation showed that majority of the respondents in both groups were not members in any organizations. Food consumption pattern of the respondents indicated that most of them were non-vegetarians in both groups and in IT group majority of the respondents were ‘night time nibblers’, some of them were ‘meal skippers’. Assessment of mean nutrient intake showed that among both groups energy, protein and fat intake was found to be well above the RDA. Morbidity pattern of the respondents portrayed that among IT group, majority had back pains, vision problems, shoulder pain and hyperlipidemia. But among the Non IT group, none of them were reported to have such complaints. Body Mass Index of the respondents revealed that majority of both groups were normal. Assessment of TST and WHR also revealed that majority among both groups had high TST and WHR. Assessment of stress level revealed that 2 percent of the IT respondents were found to have very high stress, and 4 percent had high stress. None of the Non IT respondents belonged this category. Nutritional status index of the respondents revealed that, among the IT group 44 percent of the IT male respondents had low NSI, while among IT female respondents 46 percent had low NSI.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of green gram based meat analogues
    (Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Nisha; KAU; Usha, V
    Meat analogue, a simulated product that resembles meat, is suggested as the food for future owing to its nutritional qualities, beneficial health effects and sensory characteristics. In the present study an attempt was made to develop a product possessing both the nutritional and sensory characteristic of meat. It is health beneficial and at the same time is at par with the shortcomings of meat. Meat analogues were prepared using green gram as the base, blended with soya bean and wheat in different proportions. Gluten was used as a texturizing agent and spices like ginger, garlic, pepper and cinnamon were used for flavouring. Totally ten treatments were tried with different proportions including one control with 100 per cent green gram. A standard meat recipe was prepared by replacing meat with the developed products and were evaluated organoleptically using a nine point hedonic rating scale. Three treatments were selected based on maximum index scores, T4 (107.75), control (93.73) and T6 (88.93). The selected three products were packed in metallised polyester polyethylene laminate pouches and kept for shelf life studies for a period of six months. Chemical constituents, sensory qualities and microbial load were analyzed during the initial period, third and sixth month of storage. The products were also subjected to benefit cost analysis by comparing with a similar product available in the market and also with fresh meat and mutton. Meat analogue was observed to be a good source of protein; with a maximum protein content in T6 (26.00g per 100g), invisible fat; which ranged from 1.23g to 2.67g 100g-1 with a maximum fat content in T4, fibre; ranging from 1.33g to 1.82g 100g-1 with T6 having the maximum fibre content, and minerals like calcium (276mg 100g-1), potassium; ranging from 72.00mg to 73.00mg 100g-1, phosphorus; ranging from 177.94mg to 190.85mg 100 g-1 and iron ranging from 1.77mg to 1.89mg 100 g-1. However, on storage there was a significant reduction in the nutrients. A gradual increase in the microbial load was also noticed with the advancement of storage period. The bacterial and the fungal load increased significantly, from 0.167 to a maximum of 2.5 x 106 cfu g-1 and from zero to 1.667 x 103 cfu g-1 respectively, whereas the yeast count remained insignificant with a maximum count of 0.833 x 103 cfu g-1, even at the end of the storage period. However no insect infestation was noticed till the end of storage. Organoleptic evaluation was done by preparing a recipe as in the case of treatment selection. The evaluation revealed that there was decrease in the organoleptic attributes which affected the over all acceptability of the products. High over all acceptability was observed for T4 (5.97). This was mainly contributed by the high scores for attributes like colour, appearance, taste and texture in the third month and high score for flavour, texture and taste during the sixth month. The price of the developed products is comparatively higher than its available substitute in the market. The cost can be reduced considerably through large scale production. Hence, considering the health benefits compared to red meat, cost factor alone cannot be considered as a constraint in the development of the meat analogues. Therefore in this study, treatments T4 (60% green gram, 10% soya and 30% wheat) and T6 (80% green gram, 10% soya and 10% wheat) with comparable nutritional qualities and acceptability can be recommended as a meat analogue for popularization and large scale production.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Prevalence of hypertension and assesment of risk factors among agricultural labourers
    (Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Archana, S S; KAU; Indira, V
    A study on “Prevalence of hypertension and assessment of risk factors among agricultural labourers” was carried out among male and female labourers of Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur district. A total of 150 agricultural labourers were selected randomly for the study and were grouped as control (non hypertensive) and experimental groups (hypertensive). The details on socio economic status, personal habits, working pattern, food consumption pattern and nutritional status were collected from the respondents. Information regarding socio economic condition of the families revealed that most of the families in control and experimental groups were Hindus and belonged to forward caste with a family size of 4 to 6 members. Educational status of respondents showed that majority in control and experimental groups were literates. Most of the families in both control and experimental groups owned up to 10 cents of land. Majority of the families in both groups did not have kitchen garden and domestic animals. Monthly income of the families in both groups varied from Rs. 4000 to 10, 000. Maximum proportion of income was spent on food items. Majority of the families in both groups did not have the habit of saving money for future purposes. Most of the families in both groups borrowed money from different sources. Most of the families in control and experimental groups had their own houses with brick as the wall material and tiles as the roofing material with 2 to 3 rooms. Drinking water, electricity, recreational and lavatory facilities were found to be satisfactory. Majority of the families in both groups used wood as source of fuel. About 24 per cent of the male respondents in control and 64 per cent in experimental groups had the habit of smoking. About 12 to 24 per cent respondents in control group and 46 to 50 per cent of respondents in experimental group had the habit of tobacco chewing. Majority of respondents in both groups did not have the habit of taking regular physical exercise. Majority of the respondents in both groups worked for 6 days in a week for 6 to 7 hours daily. Most of the respondents in both groups were non vegetarians and consumed rice as their staple food. The most frequently used food items were cereals, pulses, other vegetables, milk and milk products, fats and oils, sugar, salt, fish and spices and condiments in control group while in experimental group all the above food items except pulses were found to be the most frequently used food items. Advance meal planning was popular in both groups with three meals a day pattern. Majority of the respondents with hypertension used coconut oil for cooking and used pickle, pappad, dried fish and fried food items daily. None of the respondents neither included nor restricted food to control hypertension. Grade 1 obesity was observed among 27 per cent of respondents in experimental group and 24 per cent in control group. Nearly 22 per cent respondents in experimental group and 16 per cent in control group were found to be at risk for obesity. Most of the male respondents had waist hip ratio less than 0.95 while 84 per cent females in experimental group had a waist hip ratio above 0.85. One day food weighment survey indicated that the mean intake of all food items and all nutrients was lower than the recommended allowances in both male and female respondents. About 53.68 per cent male and 49.8 per cent female agricultural labourers had stage 1 hypertension. Among the respondents with hypertension selected for the study 90 to 98 per cent of respondents also had stage 1 hypertension. Type of family, family size, use of pickle, pappad, fried food items, smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption, lack of regular physical exercise, personality traits, family history of hypertension, body mass index and waist hip ratio were identified as the risk factors for hypertension among agricultural labourers.