Correlates between feeding practice and high blood pressure among aged people in Central Uganda (65+)
Abstract
In 2015, persons aged 65years and above globally accounted for 617.1 million older peoples which is nearly (7.6%) of the world’s Population. In Uganda, these account for (2.01%) as of 2021 compared to (6.2%) entirely in Africa. With an increase in the elderly proportion, the rate of non-communicable diseases has as well increased hence, this study aimed at identifying the correlates between feeding practices and high blood pressure among the elderly in Uganda. The data was extracted from the 2016/17 Uganda National Household Dataset to analyze 382 cases of elderly persons in Central Uganda. Metabolic, modifiable, demographic and socio-economic factors were developed and associations between them and High blood pressure were studied.
Study findings show that majority (71.2%) of the respondents in Central Uganda were high blood pressure free, while (68.9%) were from rural areas most of which were females (57.1%). Among all variables, gender, place of residence, and household size were proved as significant predictors of high blood pressure. More older men than women had a lower estimate for contracting high blood pressure while, more older persons from households with 11 or more members and urban dwellers were highly estimated to contract the same disease.