Determinants of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients of rural areas in a South Indian State: A community based cross sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Optimum blood pressure (BP) control is essential to prevent complications and improve the quality of life of patients with hypertension. This study aimed to explore the determinants of BP control in patients with hypertension on treatment without any other comorbidities.

METHOD: The study was conducted among 429 patients with essential hypertension aged > 30 years residing in four villages of a taluk/tahsil in a South Indian state. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, lifestyle factors (e.g. diet and substance use), facilitators and barriers of BP control and anthropometric measurements. BP was measured using World Health Organization standards and classified using the Joint National Committee 8 Guidelines. Descriptive statistics were measured in terms of numbers and percentages. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the significant determinants of BP control.

RESULTS: Approximately 64.3% of the participants had their BP under control. The participants aged 46-59 years were more likely to have uncontrolled BP than those aged ≥60 years. The participants with <80% adherence to medication (non-adherent) had a five fold higher odds of having uncontrolled BP than those with >80% adherence.

CONCLUSION: Adherence to medication was the only significant factor for BP control in the present study. Hence, adherence to medication should be addressed with interventions targeted to improve BP control in patients with hypertension.