Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among an indigenous population in northeast Brazil

Hypertension is one of the most important causes of premature death worldwide and one of the major risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Therefore it is important to know the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in specifics populations, and then public health priorities can be done to prevent and control hypertension. Lifestyles changes in indigenous populations from Brazil, has been evidenced and this seems to have influenced changes in the epidemiologic profile of this populations with the emergence of chronic disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension and the associated factors among an indigenous population in northeast Brazilian. A cross sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 1400 subjects aged 18 years and older, living in the indigenous area. The participants had their blood pressure measured two times using an automatic sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure >= 140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >= 90mmHg. They were all interviewed to obtain sociodemographic information, had their anthropometric data (weight, height) and blood glucose level collected. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess relationships between hypertension and explanatory variables. Hypertension prevalence was 27.3% and was higher among the elderly (OR =4.66; p<0.001); the men (OR=1.98; p<0.001); the overweight (OR=2.19; p<0.001). Only 37% of hypertensive persons use antihypertensive drug. In conclusion, the prevalence is high, indicating a need to develop a program for prevention, early detection, and control of hypertension. Health education and structural interventions to promote healthier lifestyles should be encouraged taking into account the observed associations of the modifiable factor associated, as overweight.