SOCIAL INEQUALITY IN THE CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM WITH EQUAL ACCESS: PP.7.302

Abstract

Background and Objective: The majority of patients diagnosed with hypertension in Denmark are treated and followed by their general practitioner. Only about 50% achieved controlled blood pressure. The role of socioeconomic status in the control of hypertension is not known and socioeconomic status is not taken into account in the Danish guidelines for treatment of hypertension. Denmark has a tax-funded healthcare system, which includes free access to general practice. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of social inequality on the control of hypertension. Design and Method: 179 general practices participated in an audit about hypertension. Data included blood pressure, information about risk factors, medication and duration of hypertension for 7111 patients with known hypertension. The population analyzed comprised 5413 patients who had filled out a questionnaire about their treatment of hypertension. Information about income, education, employment status, marital status and degree of urbanization were retrieved from national registers. Data will be analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, diabetes and other possible confounder effect. Results: Preliminary results from the present study indicate that only 49% of patients treated for hypertension in general practice have controlled blood pressure. Living alone (divorced/widowed) as opposed to living with a partner was associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Having children, lack of education other than basic school or having vocational training all increases the odds of being uncontrolled. Conclusions: Social inequality plays a prominent role for the control of hypertension in Denmark despite equal access to health care.