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[Validity of self-reported hypertension and its determinants (the Bambuí study)]
Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa1, Sérgio Viana Peixoto, Josélia Oliveira Araújo Firmo
1Núcleo de Estudos em Saúde Pública e Envelhecimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. lima-costa@cpqrr.fiocruz.br
Revista De Saude Publica
|October 23, 2004
Summary
Self-reported hypertension is a valid indicator of hypertension prevalence in community settings. This study found it to be reasonably accurate, especially among women and older adults.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a major global health concern.
- Accurate prevalence data is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- Self-reported health status is often used in large-scale surveys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the validity of self-reported hypertension.
- To identify determinants influencing the accuracy of self-reported hypertension.
- To evaluate its utility as an indicator of hypertension prevalence in a community setting.
Main Methods:
- A simple random sample of 970 adults in Bambuí, Brazil, was surveyed.
- Three blood pressure measurements were taken for each participant.
- Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of self-reported hypertension were calculated.
Main Results:
- The sensitivity of self-reported hypertension was 72.1% and specificity was 86.4%.
- Prevalence of self-reported hypertension (27.2%) was similar to measured hypertension (23.3%).
- Validity was higher in women, older adults (40-59, ≥60 years), recent doctor visitors, and those with higher BMI.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported hypertension is a suitable indicator for estimating hypertension prevalence.
- Its accuracy is acceptable even in populations outside major urban centers.
- Findings support the use of self-reported data in public health surveillance for hypertension.