UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADULT HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Abstract

Hypertension is the most challenging public health problems worldwide as the control of high blood pressure is often unsatisfactory. Blood pressure control may be influenced by a variety of factors, including patients’ demographic characteristics, life style choices, underlying comorbidity, patient knowledge related to hypertension and its treatment adherence. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among hypertensive patients. Hospital based cross sectional observational study was conducted among 217 adult hypertensive patients. Epi Info (version 7.2) was used for analysis of data from case record forms. The means of the parameters were compared between groups using chi square test and correlation between variables was assessed by utilizing odds ratios. p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 53.46%, noted more in males (62.61%), patients of age > 50 years (62.62%), patients with secondary education (74.51%) and with low medication adherence (78.18%). Non-adherent to smoking abstinence (adjusted odds ratio: 4.30, 95% confidence interval: 2.30-8.05), non-adherent to alcohol abstinence (adjusted odds ratio: 2.07, 95% confidence interval:1.14-3.76), sedentary lifestyle (adjusted odds ratio: 5.37, 95% confidence interval: 2.59-11.13), non-adherent to low salt diet (adjusted odds ratio: 2.39, 95% confidence interval:1.20-4.75)  and lack of awareness of hypertension related complications (adjusted odds ratio: 12.9, 95% confidence interval: 3.84-43.88) were significant factors causing uncontrolled hypertension. In order to achieve optimal blood pressure control, more attention should be focused on modifiable risk factors. Patients’ awareness towards complications of hypertension and medication adherence are also crucial.