Vulnerable older adults with hypertension demonstrate age-and gender specific presentations of hypertension management problems

Abstract

This study examined age-gender specific problem presentation among vulnerable older persons with hypertension who live with low income. As part of a larger community-based home visiting project, 26,622 participants completed face-to-face interviews (younger old 65-74 years, 36%; oldest old ≥75 years, 64%; women, 83%). Knowledge deficit (86%) was the most common, followed by uncontrolled blood pressure (67%), poor nutritional management (65%), and medication noncompliance (40%). Age-gender specific presentation was evident: uncontrolled blood pressure was substantially difficult in younger older men; medication noncompliance in oldest old men; overweight in younger older women; and knowledge deficit in oldest old women. This information can be helpful to health professionals in assisting vulnerable subgroups with problems having greater priority. Such a problem-based approach is likely to improve hypertension management among vulnerable elderly persons. © Research India Publications.