Comparison of blood pressure between institutionalized and non-instituticionalized elderly

Abstract

This study's aim was to compare blood pressure (BP) levels between elderly people living in a nursing home and others being cared for at home. It isa descriptive and comparative researcht hat used statistic tests to answer the following question: is there any significant variation in blood pressure levels between the two groups of elderly people? The sample consisted of 65 people: 39 were living in a nursing home and 26 were at their own home. According to the systemic arterial hypertension levels (SAH) considered as normal by the Brazilian Department of Health the majority of participants presented a normal BP. Variance analysis presented no significant variation in BP levels between the groups analyzed. After stratified sampling was carried out in SAH sufferers, a statistically significant difference was verified between F - statistic values of (24) = 2.65 and p = 0.45. The individuals living at home happened to be the most vulnerable to SAH. Further studies on elderly people living in different social groups are needed, so as to develop preventive methods for the promotion of a healthier aging process.