Blood pressure control and its associated factors among hypertensive patients attending Two County Referral Hospitals in Kenya

Abstract

Background: The achievement of adequately controlled blood pressure has been a global challenge due to potential barriers within the  healthcare system and within the patient population. Identification of the specific barriers and their modification is an urgent healthcare  priority.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the level of blood pressure control and its associated factors at Chuka and Embu  County Referral Hospitals.

Design and setting: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the two county referral  hospitals.

Participants: A total of 328 patients with hypertension (166 in Chuka and 162 in Embu) were randomly selected and consented  to participate in the study. Demographic and health-related data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and in-depth  interviews. Measurements of BP and anthropometrics were done using standard tools and standard procedures. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests of independence, and logistic regression models. The level of statistical significance was  0.05.

Results: The mean BP control level for the two sites was 143.58±18.76/85.29±11 mmHg. Less than half of the participants (34.4%)  had controlled BP (i.e., BP reading < 140/90 mmHg). Participants who were younger and had attained formal education, engaged their  doctors in the discussion, reported positive views of their health had higher odds of having controlled BP.

Conclusion: The level of BP  control was suboptimal in the two facilities. Formal education, adequate communication with doctors’ and a positive self-view positively  influenced BP control among the participants.