OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension among young military personnel and associated factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with a sample of 380 male military personnel aged 19 to 35 years of a Brazilian Air Force unit in the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, in 2000 and 2001. The cut-off points for hypertension were: > 140mmHg for systolic pressure and > 90mmHg for diastolic pressure. The studied variables included risk and protective factors for hypertension, such as behavioral and nutritional characteristics. For association analysis, generalized linear model multiple regression was used, with binomial family and logarithmic link, and prevalence ratios were obtained with 90% confidence interval and hierarchical selection of variables. RESULTS: Prevalence of hypertension was 22% (90% CI: 21;29). In the final multiple regression model, it was found that the prevalence of hypertension was 68% higher among ex-smokers when compared to non-smokers (90% CI: 1.13; 2.50). Among subjects with overweight (body mass index - BMI of 25 to 29kg/m2) and obesity (BMI> 29kg/m2) the prevalences were, respectively, 75% (90% CI: 1.23;2.50) and 178% (90% CI: 1.82;4.25) higher than among subjects with normal weight. Among those that practiced physical activity regularly, compared to those who did not practice it, the prevalence was 52% lower (90% CI: 0.30;0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Being an ex-smoker and overweight or obese were risk situations for hypertension, while the regular practice of physical activity was a protective factor in young military personnel.
Military Personnel; Hypertension; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies
