RESUMO
The aims of the study to determine the blood pressure control and the risk factors of poor control stressing on Khat. 209 hypertensive patients were included in study. They were 105 males and 104 females. Sampling was convenient that any patient attending the clinic and followed regularly was included. Blood pressure [BP] was recorded, three times at each session and the mean was calculated. Three sessions were/at an interval of at least one month and the average BP was calculated. A record of BP of 140/90 or less was taken as control and any value above was uncontrolled all variables were recorded in a questionnaire filled for that purpose. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS program. 209 hypertensive patients were included with equal male female ratio, mean systolic BP was 150 +/- 20 mmHg, while the mean diastolic BP was 89 +/- 12 mmHg. The mean age was 54 +/- 10 years. 35.9% had controlled BP, compared with 64.1% uncontrolled. Khat chewing non drug compliance, lack of exercise, regular salt intake, low educational level and weight gaining were associated with poor BP control with statistical significance. There were no significant differences in the sex distribution, residence, marital status, smoking, type of antibypertensive drugs used and interfering medications, between controlled and non controlled hypertensive patients. There was low control rate among our hypertensive patients. Drug compliance should be improved, health education, avoidance of Khat. and exercise should be encouraged, as well as salt and weight reductions, in order to improve hypertension control