Factors associated with blood pressure control amongst hypertensive patients in Northwest Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major public health problem worldwide including Bangladesh. In Bangladesh only 31.4% of patients with hypertension on treatment had their blood pressure controlled. Objective: To evaluate the control of hypertension and its associated factors among the adult patients with hypertension attending at outpatient clinic in a district headquarter of western part of Bangladesh. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among hypertensive patients attending at private chamber in Chapai Nawabganj over 02 years period from January 2016 to January 2018. Total 260 hypertensive patients were selected purposively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire by interview, physical and clinical examination and review the past medical documents of the patients. The questionnaire was designed to record patients' demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors and medical information (present and past up to 6 months) including treatment of hypertension and co-morbid conditions and documented clinical and laboratory findings. Chi-square test was applied to verify an association of demographic and life style factors, BMI status, disease (hypertension) duration and associated co-morbid (Diabetes mellitus) with blood pressure status. Results: Out of 260 hypertensive patients, only 30 (11.5%) had their blood pressure levels controlled. Majority of the study subjects, were female (74.6%), >50 years (56.0%), under graduate (83.4%) and overweight or obese (50.4%). A high prevalence (27.3%) of diabetes mellitus was noted in this study. Majority (56.9%) of the study subjects noticed their hypertension within 5 years. Higher educated and more physically active hypertensive patients were significantly and positively associated with optimally controlled BP. Conclusion: A higher proportion of hypertensive patients remain with un-controlled BP. Massive public awareness campaign targeting modifiable risk factors is essential in controlling hypertension in Bangladesh, especially focusing on physical exercise and control of diabetes.