Factors associated with hypertension control status among hypertensive patients attending clinic at Amana regional referral hospital in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension is a global public health concern it is estimated to affect approximately 1.39 billion people worldwide. Despite the presence of improved diagnostic choices for hypertension and antihypertensive drugs which have demonstrated benefits in lowering cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the rates of blood pressure control remain significantly insufficient. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension control status among hypertensive patients attending Amana Regional Referral Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methodology: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 395 participants selected using systematic random sampling method. Data were collected using an interview form and were analyzed using Stata version 17. Modified Poisson regression model was used to identify factors associated with hypertension control status. In the bi-variable analysis, a p-value of < 0.2 was used as cut off point to select variables for multivariable modified Poisson regression so as to control for potential confounders. The Prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify factors associated with hypertension control status whereas a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The median age of the respondents was 60 years [IQR 52-69] and 221 (55.9%) were females. 52.9% of participants had controlled hypertension and 47.1% had uncontrolled hypertension (95% CI: 42.2%-52.0%).Age 50-64 years (APR 0.61,95% CI 0.40-0.92;p=0.02), 65 years and above (APR 0.33, 95% CI 0.19-0.57; p=<0.001), male sex (APR 1.27,95% CI 1.01 1.60; p=0.039),college education and above (APR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.75; p=0.03), Co morbidities (APR 1.32, 95% CI, 1.06-1.66; p=0.015) and depression (APR 1.63, 95% CI:1.17 2.28; p=0.004) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension is relatively high. Significant factors associated with hypertension control included age, male sex, college education and above, presence of co-morbidities and depression. More tailored programs focusing on managing hypertension are needed to enhance well-being of hypertensive patients