Main Article Content
Gender disparity in antihypertensive utilization and blood pressure control.
Abstract
Background: Gender consideration is not factored into guidelines for management of hypertension. We determined whether there is gender disparity in drug treatment of hypertension in a poor resource
setting hypertensive population. Methods: Two hundred and sixty indigenous Nigerians (females, n=191, males n=69) aged 50.7 ± 11.3
years who were being managed for hypertension in the outpatient unit of three health care institutions (one tertiary and 2 secondary) were selected by simple random sampling during their clinic visits.
Demographic data, baseline blood pressures and antihypertensive treatment regimens were obtained from their case records. Patient’s adherence to therapy was assessed using 30 days self reports.
Anthropometric parameters including heights and weights, and blood pressure at last clinic visit were measured. Results: Males and females did not differ significantly in baseline blood pressures (P>0.2). Higher rates of blood pressure control (P=0.02) and adherence rate to antihypertensive therapy (P = 0.002) were observed among males compared to females. Females were more likely than men to receive a three - time daily regimen (P<0.001), and cite financial constraint as a reason for non-adherence (P=0.01). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and alpha methyldopa were more frequently prescribed in
males (P=0.02) and females (P<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Gender disparity occurs in the utilization of certain antihypertensives and blood pressure control in the study population. This may be related to biologic, cultural and economic factors.
setting hypertensive population. Methods: Two hundred and sixty indigenous Nigerians (females, n=191, males n=69) aged 50.7 ± 11.3
years who were being managed for hypertension in the outpatient unit of three health care institutions (one tertiary and 2 secondary) were selected by simple random sampling during their clinic visits.
Demographic data, baseline blood pressures and antihypertensive treatment regimens were obtained from their case records. Patient’s adherence to therapy was assessed using 30 days self reports.
Anthropometric parameters including heights and weights, and blood pressure at last clinic visit were measured. Results: Males and females did not differ significantly in baseline blood pressures (P>0.2). Higher rates of blood pressure control (P=0.02) and adherence rate to antihypertensive therapy (P = 0.002) were observed among males compared to females. Females were more likely than men to receive a three - time daily regimen (P<0.001), and cite financial constraint as a reason for non-adherence (P=0.01). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and alpha methyldopa were more frequently prescribed in
males (P=0.02) and females (P<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Gender disparity occurs in the utilization of certain antihypertensives and blood pressure control in the study population. This may be related to biologic, cultural and economic factors.
