This cross-sectional study aimed to measure the prevalence of reported hypertension and to identify associated factors. The sample consisted of 1265 elderly women, residents of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, who were interviewed in the Health, Well-being and Aging Project from 2000 to 2001. Hypertension was considered a dependent variable in analyzing possible associated factors. Hypertension prevalence was 55.3% in women from 60 to 74 years old and 60.7% in women 75 years old and more. In the final multiple regression model the variables which remained as associated factors to reported hypertension were: diabetes (odds ratio=3.43), cardiac disease (odds ratio=3.32), age (odds ratio=1.57), number of children (odds ratio=1.51), body mass index (odds ratio=1.04), health conditions (odds ratio=2.00). We conclude that the prevalence of reported hypertension is similar to that seen in other studies.
Hypertension; Prevalence; Health of the elderly
