Self-reported arterial hypertension, use of health services and guidelines for care in Brazilian population: National Health Survey, 2019

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of arterial hypertension according to sociodemographic characteristics in Brazil and to analyze the indicators related to access to health services and guidelines for controlling the disease in the country. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study using the National Health Survey (PNS) conducted in 2019. The prevalence of hypertension was estimated with a 95% confidence interval, in addition to the proportions of hypertension indicators. RESULTS: There were 88,531 respondents, of which 23.9% self-reported hypertension, more prevalent among females (26.4%) and the elderly (55.0%). Among those who self-reported hypertension, 57.8% reported medical attention in the last six months; most received guidance on self-care; 66.1% were seen in public health services; and 45.8%, in primary health care units. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension in the Brazilian population was high, with most people who self-reported the condition being seen in services of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS), where they received guidance on health promotion.