Prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in primary care settings in Al Seeb wilayat, Oman

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension [HTN] among Omani hypertensive patients, on treatment and under primary health care [PHC] follow-up in Al Seeb Wilayat, Oman. Socio-demographic and clinical factors were explored for possible influence on blood pressure [BP] control. Based on an assumption of 50% prevalence of uncontrolled HTN, a retrospective data collection was conducted on the last three follow-up visits of 411 randomly selected Omani adults [>/= 18 years] from 3,459 hypertensive patients. Adequate BP control was defined using criteria from 7[th] Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention Detection Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure [JNC-7]. A P value of <0.05 and odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to assess for association. The targets for adequate BP control were achieved in 39% of the studied patients [95% confidence interval [CI] 34-44%]. Lower BP control was found among hypertensives with diabetes [6.4%, P = <0.001] and renal disease [18.5%, P = 0.02]; those with cardiovascular disease [CVD] showed relatively better control [58%]. Age and gender had no impact on BP control. Most patients were only on one [24%] or two [47%] antihypertensive medications, the most frequently used being [3-blockers [58.2%] and diuretics [56.3%]. HTN is not adequately controlled in over 60% of treated patients; the presence of co-morbidity and less than aggressive treatment are significant contributors. Improving the quality of HTN care is a priority; effective efforts should be undertaken to improve BP control