Self-reported hypertension in adults residing in Campinas, Brazil: prevalence, associated factors and control practices in a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the prevalence of self-reported hypertension in adults aged 20 to 59 years as well as identify associated factors, the use of health services and disease control practices according to the possession or not of a private healthcare plan.

METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Campinas, Brazil, involving 957 adults.

RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 14.1%, with greater frequencies found among women, individuals aged ≥ 40 years, those who declared their skin color to be black, those with less schooling, those who did not practice active leisure activities, ex-smokers, overweight or obese individuals and those who rated their own health as not being excellent/very good. No inequalities were detected between individuals with hypertension covered by a private healthcare plan or the Brazilian public healthcare system with regard to access to services, the use of disease-controlling medications and having received counseling on how to manage the disease. However, differences were found regarding the practice of physical activity and diet.

CONCLUSION: Despite the equity disclosed in access to health care, the present findings demonstrate that an insufficient proportion of adults adopt changes in lifestyle to control hypertension, underscoring the central role of public health administrators.