SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND LIFESTYLE HABITS OF ELDERLIES WITH HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the socioeconomic profile and identify the food intake of elderlies with hypertension treated at primary care units of a municipality in Rio Grande do Norte state. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study was carried out. The sample (n=160) consisted of both males and females, registered at the HIPERDIA program at the primary care units. We applied a form addressing socioeconomic and clinical data and daily habits as well as a food frequency questionnaire. Results: We observed that 79% (n=126) of the elderlies were females aged 60 to 70 years,. With income up to 1 minimum wage and education limited to incomplete primary education. Regarding daily habits, 89% of them did not report smoking habits, 95% did not consume alcohol, and 53% did not practice physical activity. In addition to hypertension, 36% of the elderlies also had diabetes mellitus. As to food intake, 53% and 23% of them reported consuming seasoning and ready-made sauces, respectively. A total of 92% of respondents reported the habit of consuming cured meats 1 to 4 times per week, as well as sausage (24%), mortadella (23%) and hot dog sausage (17%). Among the canned food, there was consumption of green canned corn (32%) and milk derivatives; there was a considerable consumption (49%) of rennet cheese. Conclusion: A high number of elderlies at the very early stage of the aging process was found, with a socioeconomic level that characterizes them as a vulnerable population with a rich dietary intake of sodium chloride, which may compromise the current hypertension profile, thereby favoring the emergence of other heart diseases. DESCRIPTORS Hypertension. Elderly. Food Consumption.