Behavior of Eating Habits in Hypertensive Older Adults
Keywords:
ANCIANO; CONDUCTA ALIMENTARIA; ESTADO NUTRICIONAL; FACTORES DE RIESGO; HIPERTENSIÓN; INGESTIÓN DE ALIMENTOS.; AGED; FEEDING BEHAVIOR; NUTRITIONAL STATUS; RISK FACTORS; HYPERTENSION; EATING.; : IDOSO; COMPORTAMENTO ALIMENTAR; ESTADO NUTRICIONAL; FATORES DE RISCO; HIPERTENSÃO; INGESTÃO DE ALIMENTOS.Abstract
Introduction: arterial hypertension is a major public health problem with high prevalence and morbidity, closely associated with inadequate dietary habits.
Objective: to describe the eating habits of hypertensive older adults treated at the “Dr. León Cuervo Rubio” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital.
Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 154 hypertensive older adults treated between 2021 and 2024 at this institution. Structured questionnaires and documentary review of medical records were applied to investigate the frequency and type of foods consumed. Sociodemographic, clinical, and dietary variables were analyzed. Data were processed using descriptive statistical methods. The study complied with bioethical principles and obtained institutional approval.
Results: the age group 60–69 years predominated (49,4 %), with a slight male majority (51,9 %) and secondary education as the most frequent level (43,5 %). A total of 48,7 % had ≥10 years since diagnosis, with a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors. Overweight and obese patients showed high consumption of cereals, fats, meats, and dairy, along with low intake of fruits and vegetables, while normal-weight individuals presented more protective patterns.
Conclusions: findings confirm that dietary habits are a determining factor in the control of arterial hypertension in older adults. The predominance of unfavorable dietary patterns associated with excess weight reinforces the need for specific nutritional interventions and community-based food education programs aimed at improving blood pressure control and reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.
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