Factors related to poor control of blood pressure with antihypertensive drug therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To study the associations of patient-related and perceived healthcare-related factors with the control of blood pressure.


METHODS
Physicians identified all of the hypertensive patients they saw during I week in 26 health centres. Out of 2,219 patients, 80% agreed to participate, 88% of which took antihypertensive medication.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional questionnaire study, based on 82 opinion statements, 14 problem indices were formed using factor analysis. Logistic regression models were used to study the associations with blood pressure control.


RESULTS
Eighty per cent of the men and 79% of the women had poor blood pressure control (BP > or = 140/90 mmHg). High levels of hopelessness towards hypertension (adjusted OR 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-3.88) as well as medium and high levels of frustration with treatment (adjusted OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.04-2.18 and OR 1.83; 95% CI 0.98-3.44) were associated with poor control. The perceived tension with blood pressure measurement (adjusted OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.08-2.36) was similarly associated with poor control. Non-compliance in men, old age and monotherapy were also associated with poor blood pressure control.


CONCLUSIONS
Hopelessness, frustration with treatment, and perceived tension with blood pressure measurement are associated with poor blood pressure control.
Jokisalo
Erkki
E
Department of Social Pharmacy, University of Kuopio, Finland. jokisalo@hytti.uku.fi
Enlund
Hannes
H
Halonen
Pirjo
P
Takala
Jorma
J
Kumpusalo
Esko
E
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents