Factors associated with the use of antihypertensives among seniors

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the use of antihypertensives among seniors and the association with socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics. METHODS: In this seriate cross-sectional study, we used data from the Saúde, Bem Estar e Envelhecimento study (SABE – Health, Well-being, and Aging), conducted in 2000, 2006, and 2010 in the city of São Paulo. Association between the use of antihypertensives and the demographic, behavioral, and socioeconomic characteristics and risk factors was analyzed by using multilevel logistic regression models. RESULTS: We observed increased proportion of use of antihypertensive, from 48.7% in 2000 to 61.3% in 2006, reaching 65.7% in 2010. Among the seniors who made use of this type of medicine, we also observed increased adoption of combined therapy in the period, from 69.9% to 82.6% from 2000 to 2006 and reaching 91.6% in 2010. Multilevel analysis indicated statistically significant increase in use of antihypertensives, even after control by socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics, both in 2006 and in 2010 (OR = 1.90; 95%CI 1.60–2.24 and OR = 1.94; 95%CI 1.62–2.33, respectively). Use of antihypertensives showed positive association with females, higher age group, black skin color, overweight, and smoking history. CONCLUSIONS: High use of antihypertensives and its association with sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics can help guide the discussion of strategies to improve the epidemiological situation, the quality of life, and the distribution of medicines to the elderly population.