Self-reported hypertension in adults: a cross-sectional study using VIGITEL data, southern region of Brazil, 2023

To estimate prevalence of self-reported hypertension and to analyze associated factors in adults living in the state capital cities of the Southern region of Brazil in 2023.

This was a cross-sectional study with adults (≥18 years) from the cities of Curitiba, Florianópolis and Porto Alegre, using data from the 2023 Chronic Disease Risk and Protective Factors Surveillance Telephone Survey (VIGITEL). The variables were hypertension, sociodemographic factors, health indicators and lifestyle. Statistical analysis used a complex sampling design with weighting. Bivariate analyses and multivariate Poisson regression were performed to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and confidence intervals (95%CI).

The sample totaled 2,255 individuals. Hypertension prevalence was 28.0% (95%CI 25.4; 30.8) and ranged from 22.7% (95%CI 19.4; 26.5) in Florianópolis to 32.8% (95%CI 28.2; 37.8) in Porto Alegre. In the final multivariate analysis, the factors that remained independently associated with hypertension were increasing age (PR 13.15; 95%CI 5.93; 29.15 for ≥70 years), obesity (PR 2.01; 95%CI 1.70; 2.38), and diabetes (PR 1.53; 95%CI 1.31; 1.79).

Hypertension prevalence in the state capital cities of the Southern region of Brazil was 28% and differed between the cities. The main associated factors were increasing age, obesity and diabetes. The findings emphasized the importance of prevention strategies focused on modifiable risk factors and monitoring of the most vulnerable groups.