2.3. Data collection

After taking informed consent, our team of trained health workers took a short interview using a preverified questionnaire which included questions on their demographics, behavioral risk factors, history of hypertension, diabetes, and CVDs. Then, the blood pressure of the participants was measured, and anthropometric measurements were done.

The blood pressure of the participants was measured at least two times in a sitting position with the help of a digital sphygmomanometer. Before the first measurement, the participants were asked to rest at least for 15 min. The second reading was taken a few minutes after the first measurement. An average of the two readings was taken into analysis.

A portable stadiometer was used to measure the height of the participants and was measured without shoes. The weight of the participant was measured using a digital weighing machine, with minimal clothing and without shoes. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight as weight (kg) per square height (meter).