Determinants of blood pressure control in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background: Hypertension is a common problem in South Africa and is known to be inadequately treated and poorly controlled.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate what proportion of patients prescribed antihypertensive medicationhad controlled blood pressure (BP) and to identify factors associated with poor control.

Method: In May and June 2012, clinic-attending adults who had been prescribed antihypertensive medication were recruitedinto this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire administered by field assistants investigated participants’ socio-demographiccharacteristics, medical history, perception of health, use of traditional healers, illness perceptions, beliefs about medication,compliance with the medication and suggestions as to how to improve hypertensive treatment. BP measurements were taken.Logistic regression analysis identified the determinants of poor BP control.

Results: Of the 500 participants, the mean age was 58 years, 78% were female and the majority had never been to school, orhad only attended primary school. One third had adequately controlled BP (< 140/90 mmHg). Factors associated with poor BPcontrol included being prescribed more than one antihypertensive medication, self-reported asthma and poor compliance withthe medication, although the latter was not significant after adjusting for other variables. Participants with diabetes and thosewith a family history of a stroke were more likely to have good BP control.

Conclusion: Only one third of participants had adequately controlled BP, and almost half did not understand their high BP atall. Many had concerns about taking medication, but most felt that it was necessary. Participants suggested that better healtheducation and ensuring that medication was available in the clinics could improve BP control.