Prevalence of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and adherence to behavioral measures in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, 2003-2015

Abstract

The objective was to compare the estimates for prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and behavioral measures to control these diseases. Data were analyzed for the adult population from Health Surveys in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2003, 2008, and 2015. Prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for the following: hypertension, diabetes, and practices to control these diseases (diet, physical activity, oral medication, insulin, nothing). Estimates were compared by age and sex-adjusted Poisson regression and analyzed according to the 20-59-years and 60-and-older age brackets. The data were presented comparing 2008 to 2003 and 2015 to 2003. Among persons 20 to 59 years of age, there was an increase in the prevalence rates for: hypertension in 2003-2015 (PR = 1.27; 95%CI: 1.03-1.60) and diet for both periods (2003-2008, PR = 2.04; 95%CI: 1.42-2.91; and 2003-2015, PR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.05-2.15). Among persons 60 years and older: diabetes (PR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.08-1.56) and oral medication to control diabetes (PR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.17-1.63), both in 2003-2015; hypertension in 2003-2015 (PR = 1.19; 95%CI:1.05-1.39); and diet and oral medication to control hypertension in 2003-2008 (PR = 1.20; 95%CI: 0.95-1.51 and PR = 1.02; 95%CI: 0.95-1.09, respectively). The results are important for surveillance and monitoring of the target indicators and provide backing for planning health care activities in the city of São Paulo. Linking and aligning effective and integrated interventions is indispensable for reducing and controlling these chronic noncommunicable diseases.