[Arterial hypertension in the elderly: prevalence, associated factors, and control practices in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil].
The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of reported hypertension among the elderly in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, identifying related factors, the use of healthcare services, and knowledge and practices related to treatment options. This was a cross-sectional population-based study, with stratified clustered multiple-stage sampling. Data analysis for the 426 individuals (60 years of age and older) considered the sampling design and outlining effect. Hypertension prevalence was 51.8% (46.4% in men and 55.9% in women) and was higher among the elderly with less education (55.9%), immigrants from other States (60.2%), and the overweight or obese (57.2%). The results indicate that healthcare services are ensuring access to medical care (71.6% have regular physician appointments) and medication (86.7% take their routine medication), without distinction as to socioeconomic status. However, social inequalities persist in knowledge and use of other measures to control blood pressure, like appropriate diet and exercise, which are also underused by more privileged socioeconomic strata.
Zaitune
Maria Paula do Amaral
MP
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, CP 6111, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brasil.
Barros
Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
MB
César
Chester Luiz Galvão
CL
Carandina
Luana
L
Goldbaum
Moisés
M
D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors