Factors associated with hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control among participants in the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the factors associated with hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control, in the elderly populations of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). Approximately 200 men and 200 women aged 65-74 years were recruited at each site (n=1995) during IMIAS' 2012 baseline survey at five cities: Kingston (Canada), Saint-Hyacinthe (Canada), Tirana (Albania), Manizales (Colombia) and Natal (Brazil). Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken at participants' homes. Hypertension prevalence ranged from 53.4% in Saint-Hyacinthe to 83.5% in Tirana. Diabetes and obesity were identified as risk factors in all cities. More than two-thirds of hypertensive participants were aware of their condition (from 67.3% in Saint-Hyacinthe to 85.4% in Tirana); women were more aware than men. Awareness was positively associated with diabetes in Kingston, Manizales and Natal. Though most of those aware of their hypertensive condition were being treated pharmacologically, associations between awareness and physical activity and refraining from smoking were weak. Control among treated hypertensive participants was low, especially in Tirana and Natal. Diabetes and physical inactivity were associated with poor hypertension control. Hypertension is common in the older populations of IMIAS. Diabetes is strongly associated with hypertension prevalence, awareness and lack of control of hypertension. The fact that awareness is not strongly associated with healthy behaviours suggests that antihypertensive medication is not accompanied by non-pharmacological therapies. Improved health behaviours could strengthen hypertension control. Efforts should be made to increase men's awareness of hypertension. Hypertension control in diabetic patients is a challenge.

Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness and Blood Pressure Control in Matao, Brazil: A Pilot Study in Partnership With the Brazilian Family Health Strategy Program

“…Since these cities are located in one of the wealthiest regions in Brazil, a better knowledge of hypertension and the importance of the use of antihypertensive drugs emphasized in extensive public campaigns could explain these numbers. The higher prevalence of hypertension awareness and use of antihypertensive drugs in women have also been observed in other studies [ 24 , 27 , 28 , 30 ].…”

Sources of social support associated with health and quality of life: a cross-sectional study among Canadian and Latin American older adults

“…We addressed this issue in previous publications reporting that according to census data, the Saint-Hyacinthe sample is comparable to the population of the same age group in the selected cities in terms of education, income and education and that the Kingston sample is relatively more highly educated. Kingston is, nevertheless, similar to the sample in Saint-Hyacinthe in terms of blood pressure, 57 C reactive protein, 58 physical function indicators 31 and distributions of SRH, depression and quality of life as reported here. It is nevertheless important to mention that the study samples are limited to older adults registered with a primary care provider, and that study samples in Canada are likely to be less depressed than the general population of older adults, given that they had to contact the research coordinator to participate in the study.…”

Prevalence and correlates of chronic diseases in an elderly population: A community-based survey in Haikou

“…Previous studies reported that both urban and rural areas in Haikou showed a lower prevalence of chronic conditions than some of the northern provinces of China [ 12 – 15 ] and other developing countries [ 16 – 19 ]. According to previous finding, the lower prevalence of chronic diseases in Haikou could be ascribed to there being fewer smokers (18.3%), lower alcohol consumption (19.7%) and fewer overweight (17.5%) and obese (4.1%) people [ 20 ].…”