Abstract
BackgroundDespite hypertension being a common condition among patients attending primary health care (PHC) clinics, blood pressure (BP) control is often poor. Greater insight into patient-related factors that influence the control of hypertension will assist in the development of an intervention to address the issues identified.AimThe aim of the study was to assess patient-related variables associated with hypertension control among patients attending a peri-urban PHC clinic.SettingThe setting for this study was a peri-urban PHC clinic in KwaZulu-Natal.MethodThis was an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study with 348 patients selected over a 1-month period. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on patients’ hypertension knowledge and self-reported adherence, and BP recordings from their medical record were recorded to ascertain control.ResultsOf the 348 participants, only 49% had good BP control and 44% (152/348) had concurrent diabetes mellitus. The majority of patients had moderate levels of knowledge on hypertension and exhibited moderate adherence. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and reported adherence, between reported adherence and control, but not between reported knowledge and control.ConclusionDespite over 90% of the study population having moderate knowledge, and 62% with moderate reported adherence, BP was well controlled in only less than 50% of the study population. These findings suggest a need to emphasise adherence and explore new ways of approaching adherence.
Highlights
Developing countries, faced with a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, are struggling to provide adequate health care services to their population.[1]
A systematic review of the evidence on the prevalence and management of hypertension in subSaharan Africa (SSA) estimated that < 40% of those with a blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mmHg were diagnosed as having hypertension, < 30% of those diagnosed were on antihypertensive treatment and < 20% of those on treatment had their BP controlled.[4]
Female participants represented the majority of the respondents, with most being black Africans and married
Summary
Developing countries, faced with a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, are struggling to provide adequate health care services to their population.[1]. Hypertension is a complex chronic condition often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ and a key contributor to the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.[2] The ultimate goal of managing hypertension, like any other non-communicable disease, is to achieve target control and prevent the development of complications. This involves a multipronged approach including education of patients about the causes, management and complications of hypertension. Despite hypertension being a common condition among patients attending primary health care (PHC) clinics, blood pressure (BP) control is often poor.
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