Understanding the Influence of Psychosocial Factors and Multimorbidity on Patient Outcomes in Severe Hypertensive Patients Attending Health Institutions in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Hypertension is a prevalent problem worldwide and it is an important risk factor for a variety of health conditions. Severe hypertension (180+ systolic or 110+ diastolic) is associated with a two-fold increase in relative risk of death. Interventions to date fail to achieve sustained improvement in blood pressure, particularly in regional areas of high social disparity. Growing evidence points to multiple psychological, social and morbidity factors as contributors to the onset of and trajectory of hypertension. The main objective of this study is to examine the association of psychosocial factors and multimorbidity with response to treatment and treatment outcomes in the management of severe hypertensive patients providing additional knowledge and recommendations to improve their quality of care. We conducted cross-sectional research, using interview self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Data collected was transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Findings were presented in tables, charts, and in narrations as appropriate. Results: There was a significant association between age of the patients and response to treatment in severe hypertension. Overweight/obesity was noted to be significantly associated with response to treatment. In this study, the burden of psychosocial factors and multimorbidity’s in the management of severe hypertension is highlighted. There is a need for effective monitoring and surveillance to monitor progress in reducing the prevalence of severe hypertension and in increasing the awareness for the treatment and management of hypertension.