[Factors associated the control of hypertension among older Spaniards, over 60 years of age].

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, improvement has been observed in the control of arterial hypertension in Spain. Such control has an effect in the decrease of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to identify factors associated to the control of arterial hypertension in awareness of hypertension among males and females who receive pharmacological treatment.
METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis, made in basis of the following study data: "Arterial Hypertension and other risk factors in the population of 60 years old and more in Spain". The sample included 1461 hypertensive patients treated pharmacologically, selected by probabilistic and multistage sampling. The information recollected about the control of arterial hypertension, social and demographic variables, lifestyle, healthcare service usage, and life quality related to health, by residence interviewing.
RESULTS: No differences between gender were observed in the control of hypertension (p = 0.09), In men control were significantly linked to: residence in rural areas (OR = 1.83; CI at 95%: 1.06-3.14); being single (OR = 3.40; CI at 95%: 1.32-8.74); and exercising (OR = 1.69; CI at 95%: 1.06-2.69). Women who consume alcohol in a moderate way controlled themselves more (OR = 1.63; CI at 95% 1.14-2.33).
CONCLUSIONS: This research determines, according to gender, some factors related with the control of arterial hypertension in awareness of hypertension patients treated pharmacologically. In male patients the control is related to: living in rural areas, being single and physical activity. While in females control was associated with moderate alcohol consumption.