Sociodemographic and Clinical Correlates of Uncontrolled Hypertension in Patients on Treatment for Hypertension in a Family Practice in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Context: Hypertension causes cardiovascular morbidities globally, particularly in Africa. Hypertension is a disease that is difficult to manage, and there are reports of suboptimal control in hypertensive patients despite clinic attendance. This study sought to characterize the profile of outpatients with uncontrolled hypertension while on treatment. Materials and Methods: There was a purposive consecutive sampling of 78 registered hypertensive patients diagnosed at least six months before recruitment and having clinic blood pressures at ≥ 140/90 mmHg in at least two previous consecutive clinic visits in an outpatient clinic. Their sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, which incorporated the Hillbone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Scale. Results: There were 52 (66.7%) females and 26 (33.3%) males. The mean age was 54.3 years ± 11.48. The mean blood Pressure (BP) at initial contact was 143.92/89 mmHg. About 40.3% of participants were obese. Most 71.4% of the patients were adherent to prescribed medications. There were no significant socio-demographic factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension after multiple linear regression analysis. There was a significant positive linear correlation between poorer medication adherence and higher diastolic blood pressure r = 2.57, P = 0.024. Conclusion: Physicians ought to recognize the pattern of uncontrolled blood pressure in patients despite treatment and institute an appropriate intervention.