Family support and blood pressure pattern in adult patients attending Baptist Medical Centre, Saki

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has been reported to be a major problem of the black race. Hypertension has a high impact on the economy and quality of life of individuals with important implications for resource expenditures. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing worldwide but awareness, treatment and control rates are very poor. Hence, this study aimed to determine the pattern of hypertension and level of family support among adult patients at Baptist Medical Centre Saki, with the aim of improving their management with family involvement.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty four adult patients aged 18 years and above were recruited into the descriptive cross sectional study through a systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and family APGAR questionnaire. The diagnosis of hypertension was based on blood pressure (BP) threshold of 140/90 mmHg according to JNC VII guidelines definitions. Data was analyzed using Stata statistical software (Version 10).

Results: The mean age and BP of the participants were 40.5±13.4 years and 131/84 mmHg respectively. Of the participants, (21.3%) had a BP of greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg. Only 21.7% of respondents had good knowledge and awareness of hypertension. Majority, 76.8% of respondents had good family support while most of the respondents with poor to fair family support had stages I and II hypertension. Hypertension was significantly associated with age, obesity, family history of obesity and hypertension, consumption of stimulants, educational level and socio economic class.

Conclusions: This study showed that hypertension is still prevalent in the primary care population. Family involvement in the management is very important to the family physician to be able to care adequately for the varied patients seen in clinical practice.

Keywords: Hypertension, Family Support, Awareness, Control, Family Physician