4727.0.55.002 - Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Users' Guide, 2012-13

ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 27/11/2013 First Issue

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Contents >> Health Risk Factors >> Blood pressure

BLOOD PRESSURE

Definition

This topic refers to the diastolic and systolic measures of blood pressure, which were recorded by the interviewers during the interview.

Population

Information was obtained for all persons aged 5 years and over in the 2012-13 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (NATSIHS) and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NATSINPAS) who agreed to have their measurements taken.

Methodology

Information about blood pressure was collected in both the NATSIHS and NATSINPAS. Information on blood pressure was first published in the First Results publication based on the NATSIHS only sample of approximately 8,100 people age 5 years and over. Updated results on blood pressure for the larger combined NATSIHS and NATSINPAS sample, known as the Core sample, of approximately 11,900 people aged 5 years and over, was published in the Updated Results publication. For comparison of blood pressure with NATSIHS only items, the NATSIHS file should be used and similarly for comparison with NATSINPAS only items, the NATSINPAS file should be used. However, for the most accurate information for blood pressure alone or comparison with other items collected in the Core, the Core file should be used. For more information on the structure of the AATSIHS, see the Structure of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey page of this Users' Guide.

Blood pressure measurements were taken towards the end of the survey and were voluntary. Respondents were invited to sit down and extend and relax their left arm, with their palm facing upwards. Interviewers were given a choice of three different sized cuffs to select from depending on respondent size. All measurements were taken on the left arm, unless there was a prohibitive reason such as an injury. Interviewers undertook two blood pressure readings using an automated blood pressure monitor in which systolic and diastolic pressures were displayed. If there was a significant difference (greater than 10 mmHg) between the readings, for either the diastolic or systolic readings, the Computer Assisted Interviewing instrument would prompt for a third reading.

The following blood pressure ranges were used to categorise blood pressure for persons aged 18 years and over.

Blood pressure ranges

Category	Range mmHg

Normal	<120/80

Normal - high	From 120/80 to <140/90

High	From 140/90 to <160/110

Very high	From 160/100 to <180/110

Severe	From 180/110

Note: if either the systolic or diastolic reading was placed in a higher blood pressure level category, then the respondent was placed in that higher category.

The derived systolic and diastolic data items involve a combination of up to two readings. Unless there was only one reading, the first reading was generally not used. The majority of participating respondents had two readings taken, and in these cases the second reading was used for the measures of systolic and diastolic pressure. When a third reading was required to be taken, the second and third readings were averaged unless the third reading differed by 20 mmHg or more. If all readings had a variation of 20 mmHg or greater the derived measurement items were recorded as invalid readings.

Data items

The data items and related output categories for this topic are available in Excel spreadsheet format from the Downloads page of this product.

Interpretation

Points to be considered in interpreting data for this topic include the following:

For 2012-13, 79.9% of respondents aged 5 years and over agreed to have their blood pressure measured, and 77.7% had a valid blood pressure reading obtained according to the systolic and diastolic calculation criteria used as described above. Therefore, blood pressure data presented as part of the AATSIHS relates to the measured population only.
If the respondent agreed for the measurements to be taken, but then there was an equipment failure or an inability to get a reading, the agreement to be measured was retained in the ‘Whether blood pressure measured‘ item but the specific measurement where this occurred was recorded as a dump code. If the respondent refused to have a second or third reading taken then this was recorded as a refusal for that reading.

Comparability with 2004-05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS)

Blood pressure was not collected in the 2004-05 NATSIHS.

Comparability with 2008 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS)

Blood pressure was not collected in the 2008 NATSISS.

Comparability with 2011-12 Australian Health Survey (AHS)

Blood pressure data are considered directly comparable between the 2011-12 AHS and 2012-13 AATSIHS. It should also be noted that in 2011-12 AHS, 81.4% of respondents aged 5 years and over had their blood pressure and 81% had a valid reading, compared to 79.2% and 77.7% in 2012-13 AATSIHS.