Health care in adults with self‑reported hypertension in Brazil according to the National Health Survey, 2013 Cuidado em saúde em adultos com hipertensão arterial autorreferida no Brasil segundo dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013

ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe health care indicators in adults with self‑reported hypertension in Brazil, according to socio‑demographic characteristics. Methods: Data from the National Health Survey 2013, a cross‑sectional population‑based study, about health care of self‑reported hypertension and health services were used. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for sex, age, race/color skin and schooling levels, representing Brazil and major regions. Results: Hypertension was reported by 21.4% (95%CI 20.8 – 22.0) of respondents, being higher in women and in people without instruction and incomplete middle school. Among these, 45.9% (95%CI 44.0 – 47.7) reported having received medical care for the last time in a basic health unit; 81.4% (95%CI 80.1 – 82.7) reported taking medication for high blood pressure; and 92.0% (95%CI 91.2 – 92.8) reported having taken all requested complementary examinations. Conclusion: It is important to know the coverage and access to health services for the care of patients with hypertension, in order to improve care quality and reduce identified inequalities.