Socio-economic consequences of high blood pressure: Quality of life and socio-economic transformations of patients

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases represent a huge burden and constitute one of the major challenges for development. In Africa, there is an upsurge in non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure (HT), which not only affects the budgets of states, individuals and households, but also has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients. The prevalence of HT in Côte d’Ivoire has increased from 24% in 2016 to 33% in 2017. Socio-anthropology and economy contribute to a better understanding of the factors associated with this increase in prevalence. The aim of this study was to describe the socio-behavioral changes and economic consequences of hypertension in Abidjan. Our cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 30th April 2016, among patients suffering from hypertension, in a private health center in Abidjan. Data collection was based on a questionnaire and interview guides. Quantitative data were processed by the SPSS software. Two hundred patients were interviewed. The age ranged from 35 to 60 years old with an average of 47 ± 5.2 years, sex ratio M/F = 1.04. New patient's observed attitudes, transformation of the socio-professional and family environment, sometimes accompanied by a decrease of the capacity to assume the usual responsibilities as well as stigmatization of the patients were reported. The cost of care ranged from 150,000 FCFA to 200,000 FCFA (229 euros to 305 euros) for the first month and then a monthly cost ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 FCFA (45.70 to 60 euros). Food restrictions, sometimes restrictive, generated additional expenses ranging from 30,000 FCFA (45.70 euros) to 60,000 FCFA (91.47 euros). All these consequences have caused the social death of several patients. Hypertension is a heavy burden for the patient. It participates in the behavioral, professional and socio-economic transformation constituting a social challenge.