Blood Pressure Outcome among Elderly Women in Sagbama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses the blood pressure of elderly women in relation to their age and dietary intake in Sagbama LGA. A descriptive study design was adopted to select all 225 participants for this study using a mercurial sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, fingertip, bathroom scale, interviewers and a structured questionnaire for documentation of all indices obtained for the study. Results: The obtained results showed elderly women aged 60-64years (37.78%) and above 80years (24.44%) as the most respondents during the study, while divorced rate (48.89%) was high, including secondary education attainment. The systolic blood pressure was lower (123mmHg) among categories of age 60-64yrs compare with 65-69yrs (127mmHg). However, at age 75- 79 years, the respondents' blood pressure rises significantly from 126 to 138 mmHg among elderly women above 80years. Regarding diastolic blood pressure, it increases steadily from the lower age group of 60- 64 years (67mmHg) to (68mmHg), (70mmHg) among age categories of 65- 74 years, but declined to (64 mmHg) at age 75- 79 years and further increased to 69 mmHg among respondents above 80years. The pulse significantly decreased (82bpm) among the elderly above 80years compared with other ages. Furthermore, the anthropometric indices of the elderly were all within normal range weight according to age. More so, the past lifestyle of the elderly shows their rate of much salt consumption (55.56%) and the addition of vegetables (75.56%) in their diet regularly. An increase in BP is associated with increasing age due to the narrowing of blood vessel lumens. We hereby recommend that the government should set up enlightenment campaign teams through the Ministry of Health to educate elderly women on the importance of consuming good nutrition that will improve their blood pressure health status. Also, hospitals for the elderly should be built to care for their health needs regularly.