Arterial Hypertension in the Elderly of Bridgetown, Barbados: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and investigate factors associated with hypertension among elderly Barbadians. Method: This was a cross-sectional, population-based household survey. A total of 1,508 persons aged 60 and older were examined. The occurrence of hypertension was assessed by the following question: “Do you take any medication for high blood pressure?” Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 29.9% in men and 45.9% in women. Multivariable analysis (the hierarchical model) showed that alcohol consumption, arthritis, heart attack, and self-reported health presented, in women, an association with hypertension ( p < .05). Obesity and diabetes were associated with hypertension in both genders. Discussion: Sociodemographic variables, sedentary lifestyles, and smoking did not have a noticeable role in the chosen model for the determination of hypertension. Obesity was an especially noteworthy risk factor due to its high prevalence as well as the possibility of the latter being altered through intervention.