Blood Pressure Control Practice and Determinants among Ambulatory Hypertensive Patients Attending Primary Health care facilities in Addis Ababa
Abstract Background Hypertension is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) related morbidity and mortality. Blood pressure (BP) is often not adequately controlled in clinical practice. Information regarding BP control in primary care settings is limited in Ethiopia.The aim of this study was to assess BP control and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending primary healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in 12 health centers in Addis Ababa city selected by multistage sampling. A total of 616 hypertensive patients were included by a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected by patient interview and patients’ medical record review. Results Out of 634 study participants, 616 had complete information onmedical record and during patient interview. The mean age of study participants was 58.90 (SD 13.04), most of them 321(52.1%) were ≥60 years old, and on monotherapy 485(78.9%). Methyldopa was the most monotherapy prescribed,128 (20.8%). Only 31%(n=191) of patients had controlled BP. Determinants for poor BP control were age of less than 60 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)= 3.06, 95% CI: 1.96, 4.78), work status; government employee (AOR= 2.41, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.90), retired (AOR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.18), private business (AOR= 2.09, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.74) and being hypertensive for 10 or more years (AOR= 1.96, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.43). Significant predictors of achieving controlled BP were; weekly BP measurement (AOR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.90) and tertiary level education (AOR= 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.54). Conclusion Only one third of patients had controlled BP. Effort should be made to address identified determinants including age, regular BP monitoring and level of education.