THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIET AND HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERY AT KERSANA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER BREBES REGENCY

Hypertension is a degenerative disease known as a silent killer due to its often asymptomatic
nature, yet it can lead to serious complications. Dietary habits, particularly the types of food
consumed, are modifiable risk factors that influence blood pressure control, especially among the
elderly. This study aims to determine the relationship between types of food and hypertension in
elderly individuals at the Kersana Health Center, Brebes Regency. This research used a crosssectional design involving 82 elderly respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were
collected using a and blood pressure measurements. Data analysis included univariate and
bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test.
The majority of respondents (73.2%) had poor dietary habits. The most common level of
hypertension was moderate (43.9%). The Chi-Square test showed a significant relationship
between types of food and hypertension (p-value = 0.000). There is a significant relationship
between types of food and hypertension in the elderly. Elderly individuals who frequently consume
salty, fatty, and processed foods are at higher risk of developing hypertension. Health education
on healthy eating habits is essential to reduce the incidence of hypertension among the elderly
recommendations based on the results.
Keywords: Type of Food, Hypertension, Elderly
Bibliography : 25 (2019-2024