Factors affecting blood pressure control in patients attending outpatient hypertension clinic at Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi
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Date
2016-03-01
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Abstract
The goal of treatment of hypertension is to normalize the blood pressure and to prevent cardiovascular and renal complication. Assessment of factors related to hypertension control is important in treatment of hypertension. The overall aim was to assess factors affecting blood pressure control in patients attending outpatient hypertension clinic at Mwanza District in Malawi. Specific objectives were to (i) determine socio-demographic factors (ii) assess hypertensive patients‟ knowledge related factors (iii) identify compliance with antihypertensive medications factors (iv) investigate lifestyle factors affecting blood pressure control in hypertensive patients in outpatient clinic at Mwanza District Hospital
One hundred and twenty six hypertensive patients (82 female and 44 male) were interviewed through a structured questionnaire from the outpatient hypertension clinic at Mwanza District Hospital between April to August, 2014. Pearson‟s chi-square statistical technique was used to test the significance of the factors affecting blood pressure control. The results were presented in tables. Among 126 participants, 37.0% (n=47) of the participants had controlled blood pressure while 63.0% (n=79) did not control. The results of the chi-square showed that gender; age; occupation; salt intake and physical exercises were factors significantly associated with blood pressure control among the hypertensive patients. Blood pressure can be controlled by regular exercise, reducing occupational stress and salt intake. Community health nursing providers can use the findings in designing and developing appropriate information, education and communication patients and community about the effect of the disease will help to control blood pressure.