Compliance Of Hypertensive Management And Blood Pressure Control Among Patients Attending The Health Promotion Clinic Of Aar Williamson House Outpatient Centre, Nairobi.

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension remains a problematic disorder, even in developed countries with functioning health care systems and a large number of available effective treatments. Despite the fact that more people seem to be diagnosed with hypertension in Kenya today, this problem is compounded by the low compliance to anti-hypertensive medication and rigidity in the change of lifestyle, even though these are critical to their well being. This study assessed compliance of hypertensive management and blood pressure control among patients attending the health promotion clinic of AAR Williamson House Outpatient Centre in Nairobi. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design to determine the level of compliance in hypertensive patients. WHO instrument for stepwise surveillance (STEPS) of chronic disease risk factors was administered by the researcher, who also recorded blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measures of the respondents. The tool helped establish the risk factors among other management issues. Results: The study found that the level of blood pressure control among the hypertensive patients who attended the ARR Health Promotion Clinic was low; only 27.4% of the patients had controlled their blood pressure. With regards to the risk factors assessed, the study found that gender, alcohol consumption, BMI and physical activities either at work or for leisure, were significantly associated with compliance among the hypertensive patients. Conclusion: The study concluded that the level of blood pressure control among the hypertensive patients who attended the AAR Health Promotion Clinic was low. The study also concluded that gender, alcohol consumption, BMI and physical activities either at work or for leisure, had an impact on the level of compliance among the hypertensive patients