Abstract: "The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension among the 15-years-or-above population in Ta-Yoke-Hla (TYH) and Myaning-Ga-Lay (MGL) villages in Kayin state. During the cross-sectional survey conducted in November 2001, 753 respondents (370 in TYH and 383 in MGL) were interviewed. Weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference were measured for calculation of body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio. Of them, 108 (54 with hypertension and 54 with normal blood pressure) were examined for serum cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) level. The overall percentages of hypertension (systolic ³140 mmHg and diastolic ³ 90 mmHg) were: 22.4% for both townships; 17.3% in TYH; 27.4% in MGL; 18.7% among males, and 24.5% among females. The respective percentages of hypertension among different age groups (15-24 years, 25-39 years, 40 or above) were: 5.5%; 12.7%, and 38.1% for both townships; 3.8%; 11.3%, and 31.3% in TYH; 7.6%; 14.0%, and 43.7% in MGL; 3.9%; 13.2%, and 30.7% among males, and 6.5%; 12.4%, and 42.4% among females. Sixteen (2.1%) persons reported previous history of stroke. Biochemical levels and other known factors associated with hypertension are also described in the study. Health education should include among others, education on taking treatment for hypertension regularly."