Hypertension and associated factors in older adults in South Africa : cardiovascular topics

Abstract

BackgroundOlder adults are disproportionately affected by hypertension, which is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Little attention has been focused on hypertension and associated factors among older adults in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension in a national sample of older South Africans who participated in the Study of Global Ageing and Adults’ Health (SAGE) in 2008.MethodsIn 2008 we conducted a national, population-based, cross-sectional study of a sample of 3 840 subjects aged 50 years or older in South Africa. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, health variables, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements.ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension in the sample population was 77.3% (male 74.4%, female 79.6%). The rates of awareness, treatment and control among the hypertensive participants were 38.1, 32.7 and 17.1%, respectively. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of hypertension was associated with being in the Coloured population group, having had a stroke, being overweight or obese and having had five or more out-patients care visits in the past 12 months. Hypertension was inversely associated with current alcohol use.ConclusionThis study revealed high rates of hypertension among older adults (50 years and more) in South Africa, which puts them at risk for cardiovascular disease. The percentages of hypertensive subjects who were aware, treated and controlled were very low. These data underscore the urgent need to strengthen the public health education and blood pressure-monitoring systems to better manage hypertension among older adults in South Africa.

Screening for Hypertension in People Aged 50 Years and Older in Byumba Sector: A Community-Based Approach

“…A little attention had been focused on hypertension and associated factors among older adults in Africa [8]. In one study of hypertension and associated factors in older adults in South Africa, it was found that hypertension was more prevalent (77.3%) among older adults aged 50 years and more in South Africa and it is prevalent in Rwanda at a rate of 41% and 36.6% for men and women respectively [8].…”

“…In one study of hypertension and associated factors in older adults in South Africa, it was found that hypertension was more prevalent (77.3%) among older adults aged 50 years and more in South Africa and it is prevalent in Rwanda at a rate of 41% and 36.6% for men and women respectively [8]. Since the blood pressure tends to rise as individual becomes older, high blood pressure is frequently found in old people compared to other age group [7] [9] [10].…”

Factors associated with blood pressure control among patients attending the outpatient clinic of a South African district hospital

“…[1] The same report also indicates that hypertension is most prevalent in the African region, where about 46% of adults above the age of 25 years are affected. In South Africa, not only is hypertension the commonest diagnosis and reason for clinic attendance among adults attending primary care, [2] it is also the 2 nd leading cause of death 2 [3]. About 25% of the general adult population are reported to be affected by hypertension [4,5] but prevalence of up to 77.3% have been reported among people older than 50 years of age.…”

“…About 25% of the general adult population are reported to be affected by hypertension [4,5] but prevalence of up to 77.3% have been reported among people older than 50 years of age. [2] Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality from stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure and renal failure. [6] It accounts for at least 45% to 51% of the global deaths from ischemic heart diseases and strokes.…”

“…[2,12] However, the contribution of each factor varies depending on the study 2 context, making it challenging to apply these findings across all socio-economic and healthcare contexts.…”