title: Management of arterial hypertension in Cotonou city, Benin: general practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to assess the management of hypertensive patients by general practitioners in Cotonou city.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cross-sectional study based on a multicentre survey conducted from 1 May to 31 July 2011. We recruited all consenting general practitioners who worked in public and private centres in Cotonou city. We used the 7th report of the Joint National Committee to assess the management of hypertension by general practitioners. A tested and validated self-questionnaire was used to collect the data on hypertension management by general practitioners.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In eight centres that approved the study, 41 general practitioners were included. The definition of hypertension was known by 20 (48.8%) practitioners. Only 25 (61.0%) could describe the conditions for blood pressure measurement. Ten of them were unable to list half of the minimum recommended tests for hypertension, and the majority (92.7%) did not have any idea of global cardiovascular risk. The blood pressure goal was known by only 18 (43.9%) practitioners. Lifestyle (82.9%) and monotherapy (70.7%) were the therapeutic modalities most prescribed. Antihypertensive agents commonly used by practitioners were calcium channel blockers (82.9%), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (53.7%) and diuretics (36.6%). The general practitioners referred their patients to cardiologists mainly for uncontrolled hypertension (63.4%) and the onset of acute complications (56.1%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The general practitioners' knowledge of hypertension was insufficient and their management did not reflect international guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Health Unit, Education and Research in Cardiology, Faculty of Health, University of Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Martin Dèdonougbo
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Houenassi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Léopold Houétondji
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Codjo
authors.affiliation: Health Unit, Education and Research in Cardiology, Faculty of Health, University of Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Bénin.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dokoui
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Military Teaching Hospital, Parakou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Serge Hugues Mahougnon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Dohou
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, National University Hubert Koutoukou Maga Hospital, Cotonou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Armand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wanvoegbe
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, National University Hubert Koutoukou Maga Hospital, Cotonou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Anthelme
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Agbodande
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Angelo Cossi
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Attinsounon
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Adebayo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alassani
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Séraphin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahoui
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Albert Comlan
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Dovonou
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Bénin.
authors.forename: Thierry Armel
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Adoukonou
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001541:Benin; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014504:Urban Health
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents