Hypertension in Older Adults: Associations With Female Sex, Insufficient Physical Activity, Abdominal Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, And Falls – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:

Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) is a major public health issue, particularly among older adults, due to its high prevalence and impact on morbidity and mortality.

Objective:

To investigate factors associated with SAH in older adults from a small municipality in northeastern Brazil.

Methods:

A population-based cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 232 community-dwelling older adults. Independent variables included socioeconomic, behavioral, and health-related factors, with SAH as the outcome. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Poisson regression with a robust estimator. Crude models were followed by a hierarchical multiple explanatory model (Level 1: socioeconomic variables; Level 2: behavioral aspects; Level 3: health conditions). Associations were considered statistically significant at the 5% level (p < 0.05).

Results:

The prevalence of SAH was 59.1% (men: 50.0%; women: 65.4%). An increased likelihood of SAH was associated with female sex (PR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.05–1.68), insufficient physical activity (PR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01–1.54), abdominal obesity (PR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.09–1.79), diabetes mellitus (PR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03–1.64), and falls (PR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.07–1.74).

Conclusion:

A high prevalence of SAH was identified, particularly among women and those with insufficient physical activity, abdominal obesity, diabetes mellitus, and a history of falls.