Abstract
BackgroundTo respond to growing prevalence of hypertension in Vietnam, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding about quality of life (QOL) among people living with hypertension and related factors. This study aimed to measure QOL among hypertensive people in a rural community in Vietnam, and its association with socio-demographic characteristics and factors related to treatment.MethodsThis study was conducted in a rural community located 60 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among 275 hypertensive people aged 50 years and above using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to examine mean scores of quality of life. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were applied to estimate the internal consistency, and the level of agreement between different domains of WHOQOL-BREF, respectively. Independent T-test and ANOVA test followed by multiple linear regression analyses were used to measure the association between QOL domains and independent variables.ResultsBoth overall WHOQOL-BREF and each domain had a good internal consistency, ranging from 0.65 to 0.88. The QOL among hypertensive patients was found moderate in all domains, except for psychological domain that was fairly low (mean = 49.4). Backward multiple linear regressions revealed that being men, married, attainment of higher education, having physical activities at moderate level, and adherence to treatment were positively associated with QOL. However, older age and presence of co-morbidity were negatively associated with QOL.ConclusionWHOQOL-BREF is a reliable instrument to measure QOL among hypertensive patients. The results revealed low QOL in psychological domain and inequality in QOL across socio-demographic characteristics. Given the results, encouraging physical activities and strengthening treatment adherence should be considered to improve QOL of hypertensive people, especially for psychological aspect. Actions to improve QOL among hypertensive patients targeted towards women, lower educated and unmarried patients are needed in the setting.
Highlights
To respond to growing prevalence of hypertension in Vietnam, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding about quality of life (QOL) among people living with hypertension and related factors
This study aimed to examine the QOL among people living with hypertension in a rural area in Vietnam in four dimensions using the World Health Organization Quality of life - BREF instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) [15] and its association with socio-demographic characteristics and factors related to treatment
Measurement properties of the WHOQOL-BREF The results demonstrate good internal consistency of the WHOQOL-BREF among the hypertensive patients
Summary
To respond to growing prevalence of hypertension in Vietnam, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding about quality of life (QOL) among people living with hypertension and related factors. In 2008, nearly a billion adults aged 25 years and older had hypertension, and three quarters of the number were living in developing countries [3] Despite such high prevalence awareness and blood pressure control are fairly poor in developing countries as a result of. In Vietnam, hypertension has become an important public health problem and one of leading causes of death and morbidity in hospitals [2]. While it accounted for approximately 1% of population in 1960, by 1991 it increased to 11.2% [5]. Only a third of the patients undertaking treatment had their blood pressure controlled [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
