Magnitude of Uncontrolled Blood Pressure and Associated Factors among Adult Hypertensive Patients Attending at Medical Referral Clinic of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama Regional State of Ethiopia, 2021

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a global public health problem. Uncontrolled blood pressure adds to the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stroke, and renal failure caused to early mortality and disability. Good control of blood pressure (BP) is vital to prevent the complications mentioned above. However, the blood pressure control rate in adult hypertensive patients is poor, and the reasons for poor BP control are not fully understood globally.

Objective: The main aim of the study was to determining the magnitude of uncontrolled blood Pressure (BP) and related factors among adult hypertensive patients attending the cardiovascular clinic of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, southern Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from July to September 2021 on 227 adult hypertensive patients attending the cardiovascular clinic of Hawassa University Comprehensive Hospital. Data was collected using a close ended questionnaire through head-on interviews and secondary data chart review. Data was entered and examined using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. A logistic regression model (p-value

of ≤0.05 and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval) was used to measure the strength of the association.

Result: Among the overall participants, 147 (64.8%) were men. The mean age of the participants was 51.4 } 12 years. The magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension (UHTN) was found 57.3%. Over-weight (AOR = 7.526, 95% CI: 2.932, 19.317), lack of health education (AOR =3.3, 95% CI: 0.137, 8.03), not adhering to antihypertensive medication (AOR = 5.588, 95% CI: 1.160, 26.918), not adhering to physical activity (AOR =2.619, 95% CI: 1.089, 6.300) and use of top added salt (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.019, 6.707) were associated factors with UHTN.

Conclusion: The magnitude of UHTN is high. Patients’ adherence to antihypertensive medication, physical workout, and weight reduction can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension. Salt reduction and health education are also vital.