[Relationship among the degree of control of arterial hypertension, comorbidity and costs in individuals over age 30 during 2006].
BACKGROUND
Arterial hypertension is one of the main reasons for primary care consultations. This study is aimed at determining the relationship among the degree to which arterial hypertension is controlled, comorbidity and the direct costs in primary care.


METHODS
Retrospective, multi-centre design. Subjects over 30 years of age pertaining to five primary care teams (2006) were included.


METHODS
good control (<140/90 and <130/80 mmHg in diabetics and those with cardiovascular disease [CVD]. Main general measurements, CVD, Charlson index, casuistic/comorbidity (Adjusted Clinical Groups), clinical parameters and direct costs (fixed/semifixed and variable costs) [medications, tests and referrals]) Logic regression and ANCOVA for correcting the model, p<0.05.


RESULTS
The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 26.5% (mean age: 67.1 years; males: 43.5%). Good control totalled 52.0% (CI: 51.2-52.8%). Poor control was independently related to diabetes (Odds Ratio=3.8), CVD (Odds Ratio=2.2) and males (Odds Ratio=1.2), p<0.001. The average/direct unit cost/year was 1,202.13 Euro vs. 1,183.55 Euro (p=0.032).


CONCLUSIONS
Those individuals whose arterial hypertension was poorly controlled displayed a greater burden of morbidity and a similar healthcare cost in comparison to those under good control.
Sicras-Mainar
Antoni
A
Dirección de Planificación, Badalona Serveis Assistencials SA, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain. asicras@bsa.cat
Velasco-Velasco
Soledad
S
Llopart-López
Josep Ramón
JR
Guix
Nuria González-Rojas
NG
Clemente-Igeño
Chenco
C
Navarro-Artieda
Ruth
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies