Prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among elderly hypertensive patients attending outpatient clinics in Mbeya regional referral hospital, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: In Tanzania, research studies have provided sufficient evidence of the increase in the hypertension burden, even within local regions away from big cities. Improvements in disease management have enabled affected people to live longer to old ages with diseases including hypertension. In the elderly, studies associate uncontrolled hypertension with male sex, living alone, alcohol consumption, and medication non-compliance. We were not sure of the status of elderly hypertensive populations in the regions; hence, this study is necessary so we can intervene to save lives. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among elderly hypertensive patients attending outpatient clinics in Mbeya Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. Methods: The hospital-based analytic cross-sectional study were conducted at the chronic illness clinic at Mbeya Regional Referral Hospital. We included 389 hypertensive patients on antihypertensive medications, and consented patients participated in determining the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among the elderly from 31st May to 30th June 2024. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension and p-value ≤ 0.05 for final multivariable analysis was considered significant. Results The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 241(62.0%) among elderly attending clinic. Farmers had a significantly lower risk of uncontrolled hypertension compared to the self-employed (AOR 0.5, 95% CI [0.31-0.89], p = 0.02). Obesity was significantly increased risk of uncontrolled hypertension (AOR 3.5, 95% CI [1.06-11.30], p = 0.04). Additionally, the absence of diabetes was associated with a lower risk of uncontrolled hypertension (AOR 0.3, 95% CI [0.12-0.75], p = 0.010). Conclusion; The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was high. Obesity and diabetes, smoking, salt intake, physical inactivity, and the use of herbal medications were associated with uncontrolled hypertension. These findings call for Continuous health education on lifestyle practices and hypertension-related complications in each follow-up visit through nurses, physicians, and pharmacists are very essential to avert the problem among elderly attending cardiac clinics in Tanzania hospitals.