Saavedra, OliviaLi, Rebecca2020-12-112020-12-112020https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12503/30182Purpose: Although various studies relate substance use to development of high blood pressure, no known studies address whether those with high blood pressure have reduced substance use compared to those without. The purpose of this study was to determine whether alcohol and tobacco use differ by blood pressure status in middle-aged men and women. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2017 BRFSS for middle-aged males and females from Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Carolina. Ordered logistic regression analysis by state and gender was used to assess alcohol and tobacco use differed by blood pressure status while controlling for health related, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. Results: Slightly more than half of middle-aged males reported alcohol use and one-fourth current tobacco use; approximately half of middle-aged females reported alcohol use and less than one-fourth current tobacco use. Approximately half of middle-aged males reported ever being diagnosed with high blood pressure while middle-aged females reported varied responses. Adjusted results indicated that alcohol nor tobacco use differed by blood pressure status by gender. Conclusion: Alcohol and tobacco use did not differ by hypertension status in general samples of males and females ages 45-64. For middle-aged adults in both genders, it is recommended that clinicians in a primary care setting continue to screen for hypertension, alcohol use and tobacco use in middle-aged adults. All should be educated on negative effects of substance use especially those with high blood pressure.enposter