Balking blood pressure "control" by older persons of Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: an ethno-epidemiological inquiry

This ethno-epidemiological inquiry aims to comprehend hypertension-related experiences in the elderly population of Bambuí, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It combines ethnographic descriptions with statistical data. The subjective significance of factors associated with adequate arterial pres...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 2011, Vol.27 Suppl 3 (suppl 3), p.S378-s389
Main Authors: Nations, Marilyn, Firmo, Josélia O A, Lima-Costa, Maria Fernanda, Uchôa, Elizabeth
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Blood Pressure Monitors
Brazil - epidemiology
Cohort Studies
Female
Humans
Hypertension - diagnosis
Hypertension - drug therapy
Hypertension - epidemiology
In Vitro Techniques
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Compliance
PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Risk Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
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Summary:This ethno-epidemiological inquiry aims to comprehend hypertension-related experiences in the elderly population of Bambuí, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It combines ethnographic descriptions with statistical data. The subjective significance of factors associated with adequate arterial pressure control is explored. A baseline cohort of 26 people with hypertension, randomly selected from a total number of 1,494 residents over the age of 60, was interviewed utilizing signs, meanings and actions methodology. Multivariate analysis shows an association (p < 0.001) between female gender and monthly household income and treatment of hypertension and adequate blood pressure control. The number of doctor visits is associated with treatment but not with adequate blood pressure control. Conflicting cultural construction of "blood pressure problems" contributes to "non-adherence" to treatment. There is a fine line between blood pressure "control" and what is perceived as health professionals "controlling" patients' lives. Doctor-prescribed regimes are perceived as "prohibiting life's pleasures" and "controlling" personal liberty and free choice. Giving elderly people a voice regarding their social context can promote autonomy, well-being and happiness in later life.
ISSN:0102-311X
1678-4464
1678-4464
0102-311X
DOI:10.1590/S0102-311X2011001500008