[Quilombo communities in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil: hypertension and associated factors].

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in members of quilombos (slavedescendant African-Brazilian communities) and to evaluate possible associated factors. A population-based survey included 797 individuals 18 years or older. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90mmHg or reported use of antihypertensive medication. We used Poisson regression with robust variance and hierarchical entry of variables. Prevalence of hypertension was 45.4% (95%CI: 41.89-48.85). Factors associated with hypertension were: neighborhood security (distal), age, economic class, education, and physical inactivity (intermediate), and body mass index (proximal). Health promotion is needed in the quilombo communities through action at the individual and population levels. The high prevalence of hypertension highlights the need for broad access to health services for prevention, early diagnosis, and guidelines for adequate management.