The Correlation of Characteristic, Body Mass Index, and Blood Pressure Among Older People in Posbindu

The aging process and changes in the gastrointestinal make the elderly experience health problems in maintaining body mass index (BMI), due to consuming unhealthy nutrition. This can cause the elderly to experience hypertension. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between characteristic, BMI and Blood Pressure (BP) in the elderly in Integrated Development Post (posbindu), Bondowoso District. Descriptive analytic research using cross-sectional design on 95 elderly chosen based on cluster random sampling. Data collection was carried out by interview to measure sociodemography status and measurement of Bp, weight, and height of the elderly using spigmomanometer, scales and measuring tape. Analysis of the relationship between BMI and BP using spearman rank correlation test. The results showed that most BMI was normal (22,18 +/- 3,833). As for systolic blood pressure with median 130.0 mmHg (120.0 - 150.0 mmHg) and diastolic with median 80.0 mmHg (72.0 - 90.0 mmHg). There was no relationship between BMI and systolic BP (r = 0,155; p = 0,134) and diastolic BP (r = 0,200; p = 0,052). However, there was a significant relationship between history of hypertension and systolic BP (Z = -6,351; p = <= 0,001) and diastolic BP (Z = -5,834; p = <= 0,001) in the elderly. BMI is not related to BP both systolic and diastolic. However, a history of hypertension is associated with systolic and diastolic BP in the elderly in posbindu, Bondowoso district. Therefore, it is necessary to control BMI, so that normal BMI can be maintained and BP is more controlled through the elderly in posbindu.