Patient-level factors influencing hypertension control in adults in Accra, Ghana

Beliefs and misconceptions about hypertension disease: A qualitative study among patients in a peri-urban community in Ghana

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore beliefs and perceptions about hypertension among patients living with hypertension in a local district in the Eastern region of Ghana.MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach was adopted, and the Health Belief Model was used to guide the data collection, analysis, and organization of the study findings. Overall, seventeen participants were interviewed. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. Participants were conveniently selected from a district local Government Hospital. Data gathered were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsAlmost all the participants acknowledged hypertension as a severe but chronic illness that can cause sudden death. They also identified that lifestyle practices and individual attitudes were associated with the hypertension condition's causes, management, and control. The findings revealed several unscientific misconceptions and beliefs about hypertension, which could influence their disease management and control decisions.DiscussionPatients' decisions on alternative treatment for hypertension are primarily based on beliefs and misconceptions based on the information they receive from unregulated media and peers. The prevention and control of hypertension should focus on behavior and lifestyle modification which needs reinforcement through health education and promotion.

Utilizing Group Model Building to Identify Barriers and Facilitators of Hypertension Management in Primary Health Care, China

Purpose

Group Model Building (GMB) is a qualitative method that refers to a participatory process. This project aims to identify barriers and facilitators of hypertension management in primary health care in China, through which, the leverage point for intervention may be found.

Methods

The GMB was used to identify the factors influencing hypertension management. Graphs over time and causal loop diagram (CLD) were main tools of GMB. To propose the influencing factors, key stakeholders were invited to participate in a workshop. During the workshop, stakeholders were encouraged to plot the graphs over time of the variables about research issues and give a descriptive explanation. And based on this, a CLD was initially developed to establish a model of the interaction of factors. After the workshop, the research group further improved the CLD through repeated mutual discussions, and gave feedback to the participants. The Vensim PLE 9.0 software package was used to build CLD.

Results

A total of 14 key stakeholders were invited to participate in the workshop. Finally, 26 influencing factors were identified, which were divided into three dimensions, including the institutional, the community health workers (CHWs), and the patient level. And 5 reinforcing loops and 4 balancing loops were formed in the CLD. Promoting the building of the Medical Community/Regional Medical Association, implementing the family doctor contract service (FDCS), and enhancing the motivation of CHWs may be potential leverage points for hypertension management in China.

Conclusion

By using GMB, we have identified key factors in the management of hypertension in primary health care and provided comprehensive suggestions to overcome the obstacles.

Estimating the Lifetime Cost of Managing Hypertension in Ghana: A Modelling Study

Introduction

Over the last decade, hypertension (HPT) is among the leading causes of death and morbidity in Ghana. In recent past, most health policy research in Ghana and Africa focussed on communicable diseases. In recent times, Ghana and other developing nations have shifted their attention to non-communicable diseases because most of these countries are going through an epidemiologic transition where there is a surge in the prevalence of HPT. This paper was therefore set out to estimate the cost of treating HPT in Ghana from the patients' and health system's perspectives.

Method

We used a cost of illness framework to simulate the cost of HPT management in Ghana taking into account 4 of the common target organ complications with the most mortality implication. A decision analytic model (DAM) was developed in Microsoft® Excel to simulate the progression of HPT patients and the Markov model was employed in simulating the lifetime cost of illness.

Results

The results show that by 10 years from diagnosis, the probability of death from any of the 4 complications (ie, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease) is roughly 41.03%. By 20 years (or 243 months) from diagnosis, the probability of death is estimated to be 69.61%. However, by the 30th anniversary, the probability of death among the cohort is 82.3%. Also, the lifetime discounted cost of treating HPT is about GHS 869 106 which could range between GHS 570 239 and GHS 1.202 million if wide uncertainty is taken into account. This is equivalent to USD 119 056 (range: USD 78 115-164 723).

Conclusion

By highlighting the lifetime cost of treating HPT in Ghana, policies can be formulated regarding the cost of treating HPT by the non-communicable disease unit and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) of the Ministry of Health.

Utilization of telepharmacy in the management of hypertension

BACKGROUND

Deaths due to cardiovascular diseases is on the rise, with hypertension as its most important risk factor. Effective management of hypertension, however, remains a challenge. Globally, only one in five adults with hypertension have it under control. The situation is worse in sub-Saharan Africa where hypertension prevalence is highest. Telepharmacy presents a great opportunity to enhance the way we address hypertension management.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the effectiveness of pharmaceutical care interventions implemented through telepharmacy on medication adherence, practice of therapeutic lifestyles and overall blood pressure control among patients with hypertension.

METHODS

This was a randomized control trial conducted among individuals with hypertension recruited from two Ghanaian hospitals from May 2022 to December 2022. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of hypertension were recruited and assigned into a control or intervention group. Both groups were followed for six months with the intervention group receiving telepharmacy services in addition to standard clinical care. Outcome measures included changes in blood pressure, medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, identification and resolution of pharmaceutical care issues.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighteen (118) patients with hypertension were involved in the study. There was a statistically significant reduction in mean blood pressures for the intervention group after six months (Systolic-148.1 + 23.6, to 134.8 + 13.7, Diastolic- 85.8 + 9.8, to 79.5 + 8.7) (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients with adequately controlled blood pressure increased from 39.0% to 66.1%. There was also an increase in the mean adherence score (p < 0.05). The number of participants who adopted lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt consumption (89.5%) and exercising (77.2%) increased. The majority (87%) of all pharmaceutical care issues were identified and resolved over the six-month period.

CONCLUSION

Telepharmacy service provided via phone calls was effective in improving the control of blood pressure. It also promoted the practice of therapeutic lifestyle modifications, medication adherence and identification of pharmaceutical care issues among patients with hypertension.

A multilevel and multicenter assessment of health care system capacity to manage cardiovascular diseases in Africa: a baseline study of the Ghana Heart Initiative

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with over 70% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income regions such as Africa. However, most countries in Africa do not have the capacity to manage CVD. The Ghana Heart Initiative has been an ongoing national program since 2018, aimed at improving CVD care and thus reducing the death rates of these diseases in Ghana. This study therefore aimed at assessing the impact of this initiative by identifying, at baseline, the gaps in the management of CVDs within the health system to develop robust measures to bolster CVD management and care in Ghana.

METHODS

This study employed a cross-sectional study design and was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 in 44 health facilities in the Greater Accra region. The assessment covered CVD management, equipment availability, knowledge of health workers in CVD and others including the CVD management support system, availability of CVD management guidelines and CVD/NCD indicators in the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2).

RESULTS

The baseline data showed a total of 85,612 outpatient attendants over the period in the study facilities, 70% were women and 364(0.4%) were newly diagnosed with hypertension. A total of 83% of the newly diagnosed hypertensives were put on treatment, 56.3% (171) continued treatment during the study period and less than 10% (5%) had their blood pressure controlled at the end of the study (in March 2020). Other gaps identified included suboptimal health worker knowledge in CVD management (mean score of 69.0 ± 13.0, p < 0.05), lack of equipment for prompt CVD emergency diagnosis, poor management and monitoring of CVD care across all levels of health care, lack of standardized protocol on CVD management, and limited number of indicators on CVD in the National Database (i.e., DHIMS2) for CVD monitoring.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that there are gaps in CVD care and therefore, there is a need to address such gaps to improve the capacity of the health system to effectively manage CVDs in Ghana.

Mixed effects logistic regression analysis of blood pressure among Ghanaians and associated risk factors

Blood pressure (BP) control is a global health issue with an increase in BP beyond the normal BP leading to different stages of hypertension in humans and hence the need to identify risk factors of BP for efficient and effective control. Multiple BP measurement have proven to provide BP readings close to the true BP status of the individual. In this study, we used multiple BP measurement data on 3809 Ghanaians to determine risk factors associated with BP. The data were obtained from World Health Organization study on Global AGEing and Adult Health. We defined high blood pressure (HBP) as [Formula: see text] 130/80 mmHg or normal as [Formula: see text] 130/80 mmHg. We provide summary statistics and also used the Chi-Square test to assess significance of association between HBP versus risk factors of HBP. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors of BP using the mixed effects logistic regression model. Data were analyzed using R version 4.2.2. The results showed that the risk of high blood pressure (HBP) decreases across the three measurement periods. There is reduced risk (OR = 0.274, 95% CI = 0.2008, 0.405) of HBP among male participants relative to female participants. The risk (OR = 2.771, 95% CI = 1.8658, 4.1145) of HBP increased by 2.771-folds among those who are 60 years and above relative to those below the age of 60 years. Those whose work involves/requires vigorous exercise has 1.631-fold increase in the risk (OR = 1.631, 95% CI = 1.1151, 2.3854) of HBP relative to those whose work does not involve vigorous exercise. There is approximately 5-folds increased in the risk (OR = 4.896, 95% CI = 1.9535, 12.2268) of among those who have ever been diagnosed with diabetes. The results also revealed high risk (OR = 1.649, 95%CI = 1.1108, 2.4486) of HBP among those who have formal education. The risk (OR = 1.009, 95% CI = 1.0044, 1.0137) of HBP increases with increasing weight and a reduced risk (OR = 0.996, 95% CI = 0.9921, 0.9993) of HBP with increasing height. We found that sad experience, either mild, moderate or severe, is associated with a reduced risk of HBP. Those who have vegetable servings at least 2 cups per day have increased risk of HBP and those who have fruits servings at least 2 cups per day is associated with a reduced risk of HBP, however this is not statistically significant. To achieve success in BP control, programs should be designed with the aim of reducing weight, educate those with formal eduction on issues relating to HBP. Those whose work requires vigorous exercise are recommended to have regular check-ups to ensure that pressure build-up in the lungs is cleared. SBP is lower for women at young age but continue to increase after menopause as their BP increase becomes salt-sensitive. Hence there is need to give more attention to menopausal women so as to improve BP. Both young and old individuals are recommended to practice regular exercise since this has shown to reduce risk of being overweight or becoming diabetic and reduces the risk of HBP at yong age and old age. Also, to improve blood pressure control, programs for management of blood pressure or hypertension should focus more short stature individuals since such people are more likely to experience HBP.

Determinants of Self-Care and Home-Based Management of Hypertension: An Integrative Review

Introduction

Patients with hypertension should perform diverse self-care activities that incorporate medication adherence and lifestyle modification, such as no smoking or alcohol, weight reduction, a low-salt diet, increased physical activity, increased self-monitoring, and stress reduction, for effective management at home.

Aim

This systematic review assessed and synthesized the factors that are associated with self-care and home-based management of hypertension.

Methods

The search of the articles incorporated the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framework. The literature was searched in four databases (PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], Embase, and Web of Science) until 2022. The articles retrieved and searched from the reference list (531) were transported to EndNote version 20, and duplicates (19) were identified and removed to produce 512 titles. Following the eventual title, abstracts, and full-text screening, 13 articles were appropriate for this study. The narrative and thematic data analysis were used to analyze and integrate the data.

Results

The analysis showed five themes were associated with home-based self-care and blood pressure (BP) control among patients diagnosed with hypertension. These themes that emerged were (1) the prevalence of control of BP, (2) sociodemographic factors, (3) treatment-related factors, (4) knowledge of management, and (5) knowledge of the prevention of risk factors of hypertension. The demographic factors influencing home-based self-care for hypertension were gender, age, and socioeconomic status. In contrast, the treatment factors were duration of hypertension treatment, medication burden, and medication adherence. Other factors that influenced self-care were inadequate knowledge of BP management, follow-up care, and risk factors of hypertension.

Conclusion

Hypertension self-care interventions must incorporate individual, societal, and cultural perspectives in increasing knowledge and improving home-based hypertension management. Therefore, well-designed clinical and community-dwelling interventions should integrate personal, social, and cultural perspectives to improve behavior in the home management of hypertension by increasing knowledge and self-efficacy.

Predictors of blood pressure control amongst primary care patients of a teaching hospital in Bauchi, North-Eastern Nigeria

Background

Poorly managed hypertension is still a serious global public health issue, despite medication. It is unclear what is causing treated hypertensive patients to have trouble achieving their target blood pressure (BP).

Aim

The goal of this study was to determine the predictors of BP control amongst hypertensive patients attending a teaching hospital in North-eastern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 277 hypertensive patients from a tertiary healthcare institution. Data were analysed using version 20 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Frequency and percentages were used to summarise data while Chi-square test was used to test for associations. To identify the factors linked to BP control, logistic regression was employed. At P < 0.05, predictors of BP control were found using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The respondents' average age was 53.1 ± 14.6 years, of which 67.5% were female. The level of optimal BP control was 40.8%. Factors associated with reduced BP control include not currently married (AOR = 0.29 [95% CI: 0.16-0.53], P ≤ 0.0001), imperfect adherence (AOR = 0.37 [95% CI: 0.22-0.64], P ≤ 0.0001), taking more than two drugs (AOR = 0.3 [95% CI: 0.14-0.64], P = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² (AOR = 0.40 [95% CI: 0.22-0.72], P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The optimal BP control is alarmingly low in this setting. Marital status, medication adherence, increased pill burden and BMI ≥25 kg/m² negatively affect the attainment of BP control.

Predictors of Nonadherence to Medications among Hypertensive Patients in Ghana: An Application of the Health Belief Model

Introduction. Hypertension (HPT) is recognized as a significant public health problem worldwide from a health and economic perspective. This study determined predictors of nonadherence to HPT medications in Ghana using the health belief model. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive survey employing a quantitative approach was conducted among HPT patients who routinely attend clinics at selected hospitals in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Respondents (n = 399) were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Results. The prevalence of nonadherence was 63.7% (n = 254). Nonadherence to hypertension medication was associated with lower education status ( $p=0.009$ ). In logistic regression analysis, patients with high “perceived susceptibility” and “perceived severity” were more likely to forfeit their HPT medication schedules, while patients with high “perceived barriers” and “cues to action” were less likely to skip their medication. Conclusion. The present study suggests a plausible path to improving medication adherence in this population. Given the high prevalence of nonadherence, policymakers need to urgently design tailor-made health promotion interventions to ensure optimal health outcomes.

Prevalence of Hypertension in Ghana: Analysis of an Awareness and Screening Campaign in 2019

Introduction:

Hypertension is an important public health menace globally and in sub-Saharan Africa. The prevalence of hypertension is on the rise in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMIC) such as Ghana. This rise led to the adoption of the May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative, a global blood pressure screening campaign. We aimed to create awareness and present the findings of the 2019 MMM screening campaign in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

Methods:

Ghana was 1 of 92 countries that participated in this global community-based cross-sectional study in May 2019. Participants (⩾18 years) were recruited by opportunistic sampling. The blood pressures of participants were measured 3 times and the mean of the last 2 was used for the analysis. Summary statistics were used to describe the data. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the predictors of hypertension.

Results:

We screened 3080 participants with a mean age of 39.8 ± 16.8 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 27.3% among participants. Two-thirds of the hypertensives were unaware of their condition and only 49.5% of participants with a history of hypertension on medication were controlled. Predictors of hypertension in a multiple logistic regression were increasing age (OR = 1.05 (CI 1.04-1.06), P < .001) and high body mass index (OR = 1.06 (1.02-1.10), P = .005).

Conclusion:

The MMM initiative is highly commendable and of huge public health importance in LMICs like Ghana. Population-based health programs such as the MMM initiative is encouraged to shape appropriate public health policies to reduce the prevalence of hypertension.

A Qualitative Study on Barriers to Treatment and Control of Hypertension Among Patients at Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia, Ethiopia: Healthcare Workers' Perspective

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and accounts for 13% of all deaths and 7% of the disease burden in the world. Although the importance of controlling hypertension has been recognized for many years, the majority of patients with hypertension remain uncontrolled. Studies indicate a very low adherence to lifestyle modifications among patients in the study area. Hypertensive patients face set of problems associated with adherence to antihypertensive drugs and healthy lifestyle modifications.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to explore barriers to hypertension treatment and control from healthcare workers' perspective and experiences at Dessie Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Seven healthcare workers actively involved in managing hypertensive individuals at Dessie Referral Hospital were recruited for the study. Participants were purposively selected from outpatient, inpatient, and pharmacy departments. The required data were collected by the principal investigator on exit interviews. An interview guide was developed by reviewing previous literature. Interviews were semi-structured, 8-20 minutes in duration, and designed to elicit healthcare workers'experiences and perceptions and conducted until data saturation was reached. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Each theme was supported by using the participants' quotes.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged. The major barriers impacted patients' medication adherence and healthy lifestyle modifications were common use of diets during social settings, low level of awareness, lack of resources, misconceptions about hypertension, use of traditional medicines, inadequate physical activities, and high cost of drugs.

CONCLUSION

Patients' misconceptions about hypertension, common use of diets during festivals, and inadequate physical activities were factors associated with inadequate blood pressure control. Healthcare workers should better understand the problems that hypertensive patients' face, thus achieving better control.

Rate of blood pressure control and its determinants among adult hypertensive patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia: Prospective cohort study

Introduction

Despite the fact that the goals for the management of hypertension are well-defined and effective therapies are available, control of hypertension remains poor in countries with low resources including Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine blood pressure control rate and its determinants among ambulatory adult hypertensive patients at Jimma University Medical Center.

Methods

A general prospective cohort study was conducted among adult hypertensive patients who had regular follow-up at Jimma University Cardiac Clinic from 20 March to 20 June 2018. Hypertensive patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected in the first month of the data collection period. Then, only those patients who visited the clinic at the first month were consequently followed-up for the next 3 months. The Eighth Joint National Committee guideline was used to categorize controlled and uncontrolled blood pressures. Patients' specific data were collected using a structured data collection tool. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS version 21.0. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent variables influencing blood pressure control. p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

From a total of 416 patients, 237 (57.0%) were male with a mean age of 56.50 ± 11.96 years. Two hundred and fifty eight (62.0%) participants had comorbid conditions and 275 (66.1%) were on combination therapy. The rate of blood pressure control was 42.8%. Age ⩾60 years was negatively associated with uncontrolled blood pressure (adjusted odd ratio = 0.52, confidence interval = 0.31-0.88, p = 0.015). Medication non-adherence (adjusted odd ratio = 1.64, confidence interval = 1.04-2.58, p = 0.034) and non-adherence to international guidelines (adjusted odd ratio = 2.33, confidence interval = 1.49-3.64, p < 0001) were positively associated with uncontrolled blood pressure.

Conclusion

The rate of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients was suboptimal. Age, clinicians' non-adherence to international guidelines, and patients' non-adherence to medications were independent predictors of blood pressure control. Physicians and clinical pharmacists should adhere to guidelines for better treatment and care of hypertensive patients.

Patient and healthcare provider perspectives on adherence with antihypertensive medications: an exploratory qualitative study in Tanzania

Background

Poor medication adherence is an extraordinarily common problem worldwide that contributes to inadequate control of many chronic diseases, including Hypertension (HT). Globally, less than 14% of the estimated 1.4 billion patients with HT achieve optimal control. A myriad of barriers, across patient, healthcare provider, and system levels, contributes to poor medication adherence. Few studies have explored the reasons for poor medication adherence in Tanzania and other African countries.

Methods

A qualitative study applying grounded theory principles was conducted in the catchment area of two semi-urban clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to determine the perceived barriers to HT medication adherence. Ten key informant interviews were conducted with healthcare providers who manage HT patients. Patients diagnosed with HT (SBP ≥ 140 and DBP ≥ 90), were randomly selected from patient registers, and nine focus group discussions were conducted with a total 34 patients. Inductive codes were developed separately for the two groups, prior to analyzing key thematic ideas with smaller sub-categories.

Results

Affordability of antihypertensive medication and access to care emerged as the most important barriers. Fee subsidies for treatment and medication, along with health insurance, were mentioned as potential solutions to enhance access and adherence. Patient education and quality of physician counseling were mentioned by both providers and patients as major barriers to medication adherence, as most patients were unaware of their HT and often took medications only when symptomatic. Use of local herbal medicines was mentioned as an alternative to medications, as they were inexpensive, available, and culturally acceptable. Patient recommendations for improving adherence included community-based distribution of refills, SMS text reminders, and family support. Reliance on religious leaders over healthcare providers emerged as a potential means to promote adherence in some discussions.

Conclusions

Effective management of hypertensive patients for medication adherence will require several context-specific measures. These include policy measures addressing financial access, with medication subsidies for the poor and accessible distribution systems for medication refill; physician measures to improve health provider counseling for patient centric care; and patient-level strategies with reminders for medication adherence in low resource settings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06858-7.