Rural-urban differences in factors associated with poor blood pressure control among outpatients.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine which patient-related factors are most strongly associated with having uncontrolled hypertension among outpatients.


METHODS
A sample of 300 outpatients with diagnosed hypertension from three different settings was reviewed, focusing on demographics, comorbidity, adherence, and treatment factors. Regression analyses were conducted to determine which factors were associated with poor BP control (> 140 mmHg systolic or > 90 mmHg diastolic).


RESULTS
Those most strongly associated with blood pressure control were men (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.17-3.55) living in a rural setting (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16-0.55). Age, race, total number of medicines, number of visits, and the number of comorbidities were not significantly associated with poor blood pressure control in this population.


CONCLUSIONS
Being urban and male are strongly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Public health blood pressure control efforts in the Southeast region should be directed toward this population.
King
Dana E
DE
Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 295 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. kingde@musc.edu
Crisp
Jeremy R
JR
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D015897:Comorbidity; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D015144:Southeastern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*