Factors associated to hypertension knowledge and control in Kimpese, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Background: Worldwide, the proportion of hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure is poor. Knowledge on hypertension has been recognised as a major determinant of uncontrolled hypertension. Aim: This study aimed to determine factors associated with knowledge and control of hypertension...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
AOSIS
2025-03-01
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| Series: | African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4721 |
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| Summary: | Background: Worldwide, the proportion of hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure is poor. Knowledge on hypertension has been recognised as a major determinant of uncontrolled hypertension.
Aim: This study aimed to determine factors associated with knowledge and control of hypertension among hypertensive patients in Kimpese Health Zone, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Setting: Six health facilities of the Kimpese Health Zone were selected.
Methods: This study was an analytical cross-sectional study from May 2021 to December 2021. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical data and knowledge on hypertension was collected. Factors associated with knowledge and control of hypertension were determined using logistic regression analysis.
Results: A total of 301 participants with a sex ratio of 1:3 (F M) and a mean age of 60.5 ± 12.1 years were included in the study. Poor knowledge on hypertension (79.1%) and a treatment failure (84.3%) were common. Low educational level (p = 0.024; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.64 [1.72–3.73]), rural residence (p = 0.02; aOR = 3.34 [1.24–8.52]) and a lack of information by a health professional (physician or nurse) (p ≤ 0.001; aOR = 3.34 [1.24–8.52]) were significantly associated with poor knowledge. In addition, high cardiovascular risk (p = 0.009; aOR = 2.75 [1.29–5.84]), subclinical atherosclerosis (p = 0.000, AOR = 9.26 [3.54–24.23]) and absence of knowledge on hypertension (p = 0.042, AOR = 1.96 [1.49–2.23]) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
Conclusion: There was propensity of uncontrolled hypertension and poor knowledge among the study participants. Poor socio-demographic conditions and a lack of accurate information on hypertension increased odds of poor knowledge of the disease. In addition, insufficient knowledge on hypertension and comorbidities were associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
Contribution: Education on hypertension and screening; managing comorbidities in integrating approach to non-communicable diseases are key components of managing hypertension in our setting to improve health outcomes. |
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| ISSN: | 2071-2928 2071-2936 |