THE IMPACT OF VEGETARIAN DIETS AND BODY MASS INDEX ON HYPERTENSION

Abstract

THE IMPACT OF VEGETARIAN DIETS AND BODY MASS INDEX ON HYPERTENSION Tri Mariha1*, Wiwin Wiarsih2 1. RSUP Dr Mohammad Hoesin Palembang, South Sumatera, Indonesia 2. Faculty of Nursing Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia *E-mail: trimariha@gmail.com Abstract A vegetarian diet is believed to prevent hypertension. This study aims to identify the impact of vegetarian diets, including fat, salt, potassium, and body mass index (BMI), on hypertension. Data was taken by systematic random sampling method from 173 vegetarians and analyzed using chi-square. The result showed that there is no significant association between the intake of fat, sodium, and potassium with hypertension in vegetarians (p> 0.05). However, there is a significant relationship between BMI with the incidence of hypertension (p= 0.025), where overweight res-pondents are 3.837 more likely to have hypertension (OR 3.837; 95% CI= 1,256–11,721). It implies that vegetarians tend to have a safe intake of fat, salt, and potassium, and therefore, this condition prevents hypertension. Thus, health promotion about the selection of sources of fat, regulation of salt, potassium intake, and weight management will be beneficial for vegetarians in preventing hypertension. Keywords: BMI, diet, hypertension, vegetarian