Hypertension among the Elderly in El - Tobgeya Region , Alexandria : Risk Factors , Awareness and Control

Makhlouf, Mohamed MM.; Deghedi, Bothaina MS.; Mahdy, Nehad H.

doi:10.21608/jhiph.2002.212826

Hypertension among the Elderly in El - Tobgeya Region , Alexandria : Risk Factors , Awareness and Control

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Geriatric Health, Family Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

² Primary Health Care Division, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

³ Biostatistic Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

10.21608/jhiph.2002.212826

Abstract

Hypertension is a common public health problem for most elderly persons and it is an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidities and mortalities. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension among elderly individuals in a squatter area in Alexandria, as well as the related risk factors and to assess the degree of awareness, practice and control of hypertension among them. The study was conducted through a community based cross-sectional approach targeting elderly individuals [60 years and above] living in the El-Tobgeya region. House to house survey was done . The total sample size of elderly individuals amounted to 318 persons . A pre-designed interview was completed for all studied elderly persons to collect data about personal and family history of hypertension and their lifestyle pattern and practice. Blood pressure was measured. Weight, height and the waist circumference were measured and the body mass index was computed. The results revealed that , 72.4 % of the elderly had hypertension . Out of them 41.7 % were of stage 1 , 24.2 % of stage 2 , 10.8 % of stage 3 , and 23.3 % had systolic hypertension . Significant high risk of hypertension was observed among elderly with positive family history, those who were utilizing margarine as the usual fat in diet, those who reported consuming salted foods 2-3 times/week and obese elderly. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that there were two significant predictors of hypertension: obesity and the type of fat utilized. More than half of hypertensives [56.5%] were not aware of their condition . Stepwise discriminant analysis yielded that presence of co-morbid diseases and living without a partner were the two significant discriminating factors of awareness. Concerning the practice of elderly who reported having hypertension, 16.4% of them had poor level, 73.0 % had fair level and 10.6 % had good level of practice. The total practice score was significantly associated with the level of education of the elderly. Most of hypertensive patients [78.7%) were considered as having uncontrolled hypertension. The only significant factor for uncontrolled hypertension was non-compliance to drug regimen. In conclusion, the high prevalence of hypertension and of the risk factors among the elderly, in addition to inadequate practice and low awareness and control of hypertension indicate the need of intervention programs for prevention and control of this major public health problem.

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