Associations between Socio-Demographic Factors and Hypertension Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Findings from Malaysia

The perspectives of hypertensive patients on the state of hypertension control during the ongoing pandemic restrictions have not been extensively studied in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of socio-demographic factors, health literacy, and adherence on the overall hypertension management in a group of Malaysian hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous, online cross-sectional study was conducted over three months that involved a group of Malaysian adults with hypertension. A validated, self-administered 30-item questionnaire was prepared in Malay and English languages on Google Forms. The link was then distributed to participants on social media (Facebook and WhatsApp). Following survey validation, a pilot study with 30 participants who met the inclusion criteria was carried out. The total scores for health literacy, adherence, and pandemic impact on hypertension control were calculated and compared across all independent variables. In a total of 144 study participants, controlled blood pressure was reported in 77% (N = 111). There were good levels of adherence and health literacy scores but moderate levels of pandemic impact scores. The total adherence scores showed a statistically significant difference between age groups (χ2 = 6.48, p = 0.039) and those who reported having controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure (U = 1116, p = 0.001). Moreover, the analysis revealed statistically significant differences in total pandemic impact scores based on the age group (χ2 = 15.008, p = 0.001), household income (χ2 = 6.887, p = 0.032), employment (U = 1712, p = 0.006), and marital status (U = 520.5, p < 0.001). The youngest age group (18–39) years, the lowest income group, unemployed and unmarried individuals, had significantly higher pandemic impact scores. This denotes that those individuals were more prone to be negatively affected by the pandemic regarding their hypertension management. Most participants reported relatively controlled blood pressure and good levels of health literacy as well as adherence amidst the pandemic. To a moderate extent, study participants perceived that the pandemic had a negative effect on hypertension management. The perceived negative impact of the pandemic was attributed to several socio-demographic factors, such as age, household income, employment, and marital status.

Download Full-text

Generic health literacy of adolescents in Germany: Results of a nationwide cross-sectional survey

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.142 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

S Jordan ◽

OM Domanska ◽

AK Loer

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Health Information ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Age Group ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Health Related ◽

Socio Demographic Factors

Abstract Background For developing effective interventions to promote health literacy in adolescence, differentiated data on the distribution of health literacy levels is required, but still lacking for this age group in many countries. The study aims to measure the distribution of generic health literacy (GHL) among adolescents addressing cognitive, behavioural, communicative and motivational dimensions of GHL. Methods We conducted a representative nationwide cross-sectional online survey among 14-17-year-olds living in Germany (n = 1,235). Data on GHL were collected from 09.2019-12.2019 using the “Measurement of Health Literacy Among Adolescents”-Questionnaire (MOHLAA-Q). It was specially developed for this age-group and consists of a total of 29 items in four subscales: A: “Difficulties in Dealing with Health-Related Information”, B: “Health-Related Communication Skills”, C: “Attitudes toward One's Own Health & Health Information” and D: “Health-Related Knowledge”. We also collected data on socio-demographic factors. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out. Results About half of the 14-17-year-olds reported many (8.4%) or some difficulties (42.2%) in dealing with health information. We observed low communication-related skills in 28.1% of adolescents. Regarding the attitude towards their own health and health information, 56.8% of respondents had a rather “partly passive/partly active” attitude and 8.8% had a “passive” attitude. 22.7% of the adolescents had a low level of health-related knowledge. All socio-demographic factors apart from age showed significant differences in each of the scales: by family affluence in all scales, by gender and by educational level in 3 scales and by migration background in 1 scale. Conclusions The results indicate a need for promoting GHL among adolescents. The differences in the four scales suggest that all dimensions of GHL should be addressed, but also considering socio-demographic factors at the same time.

Download Full-text

Abstract 261: Improving Hypertension Control Among an Underserved Urban Patient Population

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/hcq.13.suppl_1.261 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Shruti Anand ◽

Yeriko Santillan ◽

Ameesh Isaath ◽

Tamara Goldberg ◽

Dipal Patel

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Primary Care ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Community Health ◽

Economically Disadvantaged ◽

Patient Population ◽

Hypertension Control ◽

Hypertensive Patients ◽

Urban Patient ◽

Health Coaches

Needs and Objectives: Poorly-controlled hypertension is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and thus is an important healthcare quality metric for primary care practices. Yet achieving blood pressure goals among socially-complex, economically-disadvantaged patient populations can be challenging due to cost-related non-adherence, poor health literacy and other social determinant barriers. Indeed, by early 2019, only 59% of hypertensive patients at our inner-city community health clinic had a blood pressure less than 140/90. The goal of this resident-driven quality improvement (QI) project was to increase blood pressure control among our hypertensive patients to a network target of 75% over 6 months. Setting and Participants: Our project was implemented at the Ryan Adair Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center located in Central Harlem that serves as a primary care practice site for Internal Medicine residents. The patient population consists predominantly of Black and Latino patients, most of whom are on Medicaid and live well below the federal poverty line. Our target population was hypertensive patients. Intervention: We used the Plan-Do-Study-Act method to carry out our clinic-based project. PGY1’s at the site served as the QI project leaders with faculty oversight. Cycle 1 focused on nurse education regarding proper blood pressure measurement. Cycle 2 focused on home blood pressure monitoring including patient education on proper technique and the importance of maintaining a daily log. Cycle 3 focused on assessment of health literacy via a patient questionnaire. Cycle 4 focused on provider education by ensuring that our patients were prescribed an appropriate medication regimen based on ACC/AHA Guidelines. Cycle 5 focused on referring patients with continued poor control to community health coaches to identify barriers like nutrition, medication access, and health literacy. Evaluation: Using our clinic’s online hypertensive registry (DRVS), we tracked on a monthly basis the percentage of hypertensive patients who had controlled blood pressure (<140/90). Percent of patients at goal went from 59% in February 2019 to 73% in July 2019. Discussion/lessons learned: Through this project, we demonstrated a meaningful improvement in hypertensive control among an economically-disadvantaged, racially diverse urban patient population. Accurate nurse measurements, engagement of patients in self-management, and resident education on evidence-based medication standards have all contributed to this success. Future directions will explore the impact of community health coaches in hypertension control and use of standard questionnaire to assess health literacy.

Download Full-text

Blood Pressure Control Practice and Determinants among Ambulatory Hypertensive Patients Attending Primary Health care facilities in Addis Ababa

10.21203/rs.2.12562/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Firehiwot Amare ◽

Teshome Nedi ◽

Derbew Fikadu Berhe

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Complete Information ◽

Pressure Control ◽

Health Care Facilities ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hypertensive Patients ◽

Patient Interview ◽

Study Participants

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.

Download Full-text

Socio-demographic, Clinical Characteristics and Status of Hypertension Control among Rural Hypertensive Patients

Faridpur Medical College Journal ◽

10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7402 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 5-9

Author(s):

NU Ahmed ◽

M Rahman ◽

MDU Islam ◽

SY Ali ◽

AM Hossain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Blood Pressure Control ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Pressure Control ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hypertension Control ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hypertensive Patients ◽

Education And Awareness ◽

Males And Females

Hypertension is an important independent predictor of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accidents and death. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension is rapidly increasing in developing countries. A cross sectional study was conducted among 103 hypertensive patients during December 2009 to June 2010 in Goshair Hat Upazilla of Shariatpur District to determine the socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and status of control of hypertension in rural population. Respondents were distributed more or less equally among males and females. The mean ± SD and median age of the respondents were calculated as 59.97 ± 11.12 years, with 64% of them were included in the age group of 51 to 70 years. More than half of the respondents were housewives (51.5%), which were followed by businessmen (21.4%). Every three of five patients were over weight, while 22.3% respondents were obese. One third of the respondents were also diabetic (33%). None of the 103 patients had achieved the target for SBP (Systolic blood pressure) control (<140mm of Hg) and only 21.4% of the patients had achieved the target for DBP (Diastolic blood pressure) control (<90 mm of Hg). Again none of the diabetic hypertensive patients had achieved the target for SBP control (<130mm of Hg) and only one patient had achieved the target for DBP control (<80 mm of Hg). Overall five patients were found to have uncontrolled and severe hypertension (BP >180/110 mm of Hg), all of whom were female. From this study control of hypertension was found poor among rural hypertensive population. For effectively combating the burden of hypertension in this population, education and awareness about hypertension needs to be given priority. Key words: Hypertension; socio-demographic characteristics; rural area; control of blood pressure DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7402 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2011;6(1): 05-09

Download Full-text

The effectiveness of hypertension management in China: a community-based intervention study

Primary Health Care Research & Development ◽

10.1017/s1463423618000853 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaoguo Zheng ◽

Feng Xiao ◽

Ruili Li ◽

Delu Yin ◽

Qianqian Xin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Primary Healthcare ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Blood Pressure Reduction ◽

Hypertension Management ◽

Hypertension Control ◽

Community Based ◽

One Year

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hypertension management and analyse the factors associated with blood pressure reduction within China’s primary healthcare system. Background: Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for global disease burden and is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases. In China, hypertension is a serious public health problem, but few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of hypertension management in China’s primary healthcare system. Methods: The study sites were 24 primary healthcare institutions, selected using multistage stratified random sampling method. In each institution, hypertension patients aged at least 35 years who agreed to participate and had no disabilities or mental health problems were enrolled for hypertension management. Participants received comprehensive interventions in the primary healthcare system via a team. After a one-year intervention, data from 6575 hypertension patients were analysed to check the effectiveness of hypertension management and examined factors associated with hypertension control. Findings: There was an overall mean reduction of 4.5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 1.9 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The blood pressure reduction after one year was greater in rural patients than in urban patients, 6.6 mmHg versus 3.4 mmHg for SBP and 2.6 mmHg versus 1.6 mmHg for DBP, respectively. The hypertension control rate also increased more in rural areas (22.1%) than in urban areas (10.6%) after the one-year intervention. Age, body mass index, region and being in an urban area had a significant negative association with the reduction of SBP (P < 0.05). Education level and baseline SBP showed a significant positive association (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Community-based hypertension management by general practitioners was feasible and effective. The effectiveness of hypertension management in rural areas was greater than in urban areas. Intervention strategies should pay more attention to patients in rural areas and western China.

Download Full-text

The Danish Youth Cohort: Characteristics of participants and non-participants and determinants of attrition

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/1403494810374222 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 38 (6) ◽

pp. 648-656 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Mathilde Vinther-Larsen ◽

Mette Riegels ◽

Morten Hulvej Rod ◽

Michaela Schiøtz ◽

Tine Curtis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Occupational Status ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Total Income ◽

Income Loss ◽

Loss To Follow Up ◽

Socio Demographic Factors ◽

Study Participants ◽

Design And Methods

Aims: The aim of this paper is to describe the design and methods used in the Danish Youth Cohort and to give a description of the study participants with special attention to a comparison between participants and non-participants regarding sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A total of 1,945 schools were invited, out of which 506 participated. The participating 7th grades comprised a total of 12,498 responding adolescents. The response rate for the Danish Youth Cohort established in 2005 was 63%. The sample of 12,498 adolescents represents 18.2% of all pupils (n = 68,764) in the 7th grade (mean age: 13.4 years) in Danish schools in 2005. The cohort was followed up in spring 2006 and spring 2007, where the adolescents were in the 8th (mean age: 14.4 years) and 9th (mean age: 15.3 years) grades, respectively. Results: We found that compared with non-participants the participants were significantly more likely to be girls, to be of Danish ethnicity, and to live in one-family houses. Furthermore, participants more often came from families with two or three children, were more likely to have parents with a high occupational status, parents who were married and parents with a higher total income. Loss to follow-up was only associated with adolescents’ higher probability of drinking and use of tobacco, and none of the other factors were associated with attrition. Conclusions: The participants in the Danish Youth Cohort represent a great variety of different groups of socio-demographic factors, although they differ from non-participants as regards a range of socio-demographic factors. This should be taken into account in future analyses.

Download Full-text

The association of health literacy and socio-demographic factors with medication knowledge

Patient Education and Counseling ◽

10.1016/j.pec.2009.06.017 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 78 (3) ◽

pp. 372-376 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

Jennifer R. Marks ◽

Joel M. Schectman ◽

Hunter Groninger ◽

Margaret L. Plews-Ogan

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Medication Knowledge ◽

Socio Demographic Factors

Download Full-text

Knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among reproductive age group women of urban and rural areas of Gadag: a comparison study

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20202474 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

pp. 2221

Author(s):

Jannatbi Iti ◽

Roshan Mudaraddi

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Fundamental Rights ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

World Population ◽

Age Group ◽

Effective Measure ◽

The World ◽

Socio Demographic Factors ◽

Reproductive Age Group

Background: India is the second most populous country in the world 1.311 million (2015). With only 2.4% of the world land area India is supporting 17.5% of the world population. The rampant population growth has been viewed as the greatest obstacle to the economic and social advancement. Reproductive choice is one of the most fundamental rights of a couple. Empowering a woman to control her fertility allows her to complete her education or employment aspirations. Aim and objective of the study was to know the distribution of socio-demographic factors which influence KAP about FP methods among eligible reproductive age group women.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done from 27 March 2017 to 20 April 2017 in rural and urban areas of Gadag Taluk in women of eligible reproductive age group with a sample size of 560.Results: 25.4% of the women are in the age group of 28-32 years. Majority of the women belonged to Hindu (87.5%) and 11.1% Muslims. Highest proportion of women have completed middle and high school which amounts to 42.3%. and 17.7% were illiterates. 43.6% of the respondents married at the age of 20-24 years, 48.2% of the women were homemakers, 3.6% were professionals and 1.8% were semi-professionals and 23.2% were unskilled.Conclusions: Family planning is the most effective measure to bring control on the population. Knowing the socio-demographic factors which influence the adoption of family planning methods is of utmost importance to plan for birth control and spacing children especially for the policy makers.

Download Full-text

A community based study to determine the prevalence of infertility and associated socio demographic factors in rural area of Mandya district of Karnataka

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20192302 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 2444

Author(s):

Shashank Kumbarahalli Javaregowda ◽

Praveen Govindagowda ◽

Chethan Thotahalli Krishna ◽

Supriya Varadaraju

Keyword(s):

Rural Area ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Unprotected Sex ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

World Health ◽

Age Group ◽

Secondary Infertility ◽

Unprotected Sexual Intercourse ◽

Primary Infertility ◽

Socio Demographic Factors

Background: Infertility is defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after at least 1 year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility is classified into two types, primary and secondary infertility. World Health Organization explains primary infertility as inefficiency to conceive after a year of unprotected sex and secondary if not conceived following previous pregnancy. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence and socio demographic factors of infertility (primary and secondary) among eligible couples in rural area of Mandya district.Methods: A Cross sectional study was conducted at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical sciences from the month of June 2016 to September 2016.One of the Primary health center in the study area was randomly selected by lottery method. All the eligible couples who are permanent residents and in the reproductive age group were included in the study.Results: Majority (59.64%) of the study group were in the age group of 20-25 years. Nearly 59.3% and 40.7% of the respondents belonged to joint and nuclear family respectively. The overall prevalence of infertility in our study was 7.7%. The overall prevalence of primary infertility was 6.3% and secondary infertility was 1.4%.Conclusions: As healthcare professionals, we should remember that infertility is a stressful life event for both women and men. Hence by knowing the prevalence and knowledge of the couple regarding the infertility, suitable health education programmes can be done to create awareness among the people regarding the treatment modalities available for infertility.

Download Full-text

A cross sectional study of behavioral problems of secondary school children and related socio-demographic factors

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20172483 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

pp. 2760

Author(s):

Monika S. Masare ◽

Seema S. Bansode-Gokhe ◽

R. R. Shinde ◽

R. R. Shinde

Keyword(s):

Secondary School ◽

School Children ◽

Behavioral Problems ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Physical Growth ◽

Abnormal Behavior ◽

Behavioural Problems ◽

Age Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Socio Demographic Factors

Background: School-going children form an important vulnerable segment of the nation’s population. Children in the school-going age group of 5 to 16 years constitute a total of 30% of the total population. School age is a dynamic period of physical growth and development, when the child undergoes rapid mental, emotional, and social changes. Therefore, school-going children are susceptible groups for psychiatric disorders especially behavioural problems. The present research was carried out with an objective to study the behavioural problems of secondary school children and its relation to the various socio-demographic and socio-economic factors.Methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted on 304 secondary school children studying in 8th and 9th standard in the regarding socio-demographic profile and Strength and difficulties questionnaire. The analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software.Results: In this study, the prevalence of abnormal behavioral according to self-rated SDQ was found to be 1.6% while prevalence of borderline abnormal behavior was 11.2% and majority 87.2% of study subjects were normal having no behavioral problem. The combined borderline and abnormal behavioral problems were more prevalent in the age group of 12-13year (64.1%) and 13-14 years (30.8%), also more prevalent among girls (69.2%) compared to boys (30.8%). The prevalence of behavioral problems was higher among students studying in 9th standard (74.4%, 29/39) and studying in Hindi medium (61.5%). The incidence was found to be more in students who belongs to nuclear families (79.5%) and also was more among those who were first born compared to middle born and last born children. Majority of fathers were working as semiskilled (41.4%) and skilled (32.9%) workers, among the father’s alcohol users (45.06%) were high compared to the tobacco users (31.9%).Conclusions: Socio-demographic factors and occupation of father and alcohol consumption among them was found to be significantly associated with the behavioural problems of the study subjects.

Download Full-text