Trend in Hypertension Prevalence and Health Behaviors among the Brazilian Adult Population: 2006–2019

Abstract

Our objective was to analyze temporal trends in the prevalence of self-reported hypertension among Brazilian adults and to investigate differences in health behaviors between individuals with and without hypertension between 2006 and 2019. Data from the Surveillance System for Risk Factors and Protection for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey were analyzed (n = 730,309). Prais–Winsten regression was used to identify linear trends in the prevalence of hypertension for the entire period (2006–2019) and for the past 5 years. Poisson regression models were used to investigate the differences in health behaviors among individuals with and without hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension (approximately 24.0%) remained stable from 2006 to 2019 and decreased from 25.1% to 24.6% from 2015 to 2019. In the adjusted analyses, individuals with hypertension showed a significant association with unhealthy lifestyle habits: lower recommended intake of fruits and vegetables (APR = 0.97; p = 0.022), lower regular intake of fruits (APR = 0.98; p < 0.001), lower regular intake of beans (APR = 0.97; p < 0.001), lower leisure-time exercising (APR = 0.89; p < 0.001), higher abusive consumption of alcoholic beverages (APR = 1.04; p = 0.004), higher prevalence of overweight (APR = 1.40; p < 0.001), and higher prevalence of obesity (APR = 2.17; p < 0.001). Hypertension prevalence has remained stable during the entire period and decreased in the most recent period. Individuals with hypertension reported unfavorable scenarios for healthy habits.