Prevalence of Arterial Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus among People Aged 55 Years or Older in the Southeast and
Western Amazon
Name: JACQUELINE CARDOSO RAMOS
Publication date: 25/02/2026
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| FRANCISCO NAILDO CARDOSO LEITÃO | Examinador Externo |
| MICHELLE FERREIRA GUIMARAES | Examinador Interno |
| ROMEU PAULO MARTIN SILVA | Presidente |
| TAMIRES DOS SANTOS VIEIRA | Coorientador |
Summary: Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are highly
prevalent non-communicable chronic diseases with a significant impact on public
health, especially among individuals aged 55 years or older. In this age group, the
accumulation of metabolic and behavioral risk factors favors the development of
these conditions, which share common determinants and, when combined, increase
the risk of complications, reduce quality of life, and raise the demand for health
services. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of arterial hypertension, diabetes
mellitus, dietary habits, and comorbidities among individuals aged 55 years or older
residing in the Southeast and Western Legal Amazon regions from 2013 to 2023,
based on VIGITEL data. Methods: A descriptive ecological study of temporal trends
using secondary data from the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for
Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL) from 2013 to 2023. Individuals
aged 55 years or older were analyzed, considering sex, regular consumption of fruits,
vegetables, beans, natural juices, and soft drinks, as well as the outcomes arterial
hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Results: A high prevalence of arterial
hypertension and diabetes mellitus was observed, with regional and sex-based
differences over the analyzed period. Women showed higher prevalences, although
with a reduction in inequalities over time, especially in the Southeast. Western
Amazon showed greater variability, whereas the Southeast exhibited higher and
more stable levels. Comorbidities were more frequent in the Southeast, and soft drink
consumption stood out as the main dietary factor associated with both conditions.
Conclusion: It showed a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among
individuals aged 55 years (2013–2023), with an increase in diabetes, frequent
coexistence, higher occurrence in women, and regional inequalities. The association
with soft drink consumption was modest. The need for integrated actions in Primary
Health Care is reinforced, focusing on multimorbidity, reduction of inequalities, and
promotion of healthy habits.
