Differences in the indicators of quality of life for older adults with hypertension living in urban and rural areas of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Objectives. To compare socioeconomic, illnesses, and quality of life variables for older adults with arterial hypertension who are residents of urban and rural areas of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study comprised of 1,302 older adults from the urban area and 463 from the rural area who reported suffering from arterial hypertension. Descriptive analysis was performed, as well as the chi square test, t-test, and multiple and logistic regression. Results. In urban areas, females were more prevalent (66.5%; p<0.001) and older adults aged 75 and over (34.3%; p<0.001) were the most prevalent age group. In rural areas there was a higher prevalence of individuals living with a partner (65%; p<0.001), living alone (16.2%; p=0.021) and a lower prevalence of diseases such as arthritis/osteoarthritis (p<0.001), osteoporosis (p<0.001), asthma/bronchitis (p=0.028), stroke (p<0.001), heart problems (p<0.001), poor circulation (varices) (p<0.001), constipation (p<0.001 ), cataracts (p<0.001), benign tumors (p=0.002) and vision problems (p<0.001). Older adults in urban areas had lower averages in the physical (p<0.001), psychological (p<0.001) and social (p<0.001) domains, aspects of autonomy (p<0.001), activities in the past, present and future (p<0.001), social participation (p<0.001) and intimacy (p<0.001).Older adults living in rural areas showed lower scores on aspects of the functioning of the senses (p<0.001) and death and dying (p<0.001).  Conclusions. It is necessary for health professionals to promote the monitoring of the elderly, taking into account the conditions of the location where they live.