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Hypertension in elderly people in a preventive health program
P G Weiler1, J E Lubben, I Chi
1University of California, UCD School of Medicine, Department of Community Health 95616.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Hypertension affects over a quarter of elderly participants in a California health program. Many are unaware of their condition, highlighting a need to improve hypertension screening and control in community health initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension control is crucial for elderly preventive healthcare due to high prevalence and cardiovascular disease risks.
- The Preventive Health Care for the Aging Program (PHCAP) in California is a long-standing health promotion initiative for seniors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of hypertension screening within the PHCAP.
- To identify demographic and social factors associated with hypertension and awareness among elderly participants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of hypertension screening data from PHCAP participants.
- Categorization of hypertension severity (mild, moderate, severe).
- Statistical analysis to identify factors influencing hypertension prevalence and awareness.
Main Results:
- 26.7% of participants exhibited hypertensive readings; 1.1% had severe hypertension.
- Urban participants showed higher hypertension rates. Living alone was linked to severe hypertension.
- 40.2% of hypertensive individuals were unaware; awareness varied by race/ethnicity and gender.
Conclusions:
- The PHCAP identified a significant burden of undiagnosed hypertension among the elderly.
- Targeted interventions are needed to improve hypertension awareness and control in community-based programs.
- Findings offer insights for enhancing preventive health strategies for aging populations.