Factors associated with hypertension among adult patients attending the outpatient department at Apac General Hospital in Apac district. Cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/kan2m086Keywords:
Hypertension, Outpatient Department, high salt intake, antihypertensive drugs, Apac General HospitalAbstract
Background:
Hypertension is a major public health problem worldwide and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. This study, therefore, assessed the factors associated with hypertension among adult patients attending the outpatient department at Apac General Hospital in Apac District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing quantitative methods was used. The study was conducted at Apac General Hospital among hypertensive patients attending the outpatient department. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Collected data were edited, coded, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and results were presented in tables, charts, and percentages.
Results:
Most respondents were female (56.6%) and had a primary education (45.7%). Behavioral factors associated with hypertension included lack of physical activity (54%), alcohol consumption (56.5%), smoking (41.3%), and high salt intake (60.9%). Medical-related factors included family history of hypertension (65.2%), older age (50–64 years: 47.8%), and overweight status (47.8%). Health facility-related factors included unaffordability of antihypertensive drugs (52.2%), poor adherence to prescriptions (69.6%), inadequate counseling (54.3%), and infrequent clinic visits.
Conclusion:
Hypertension among adults attending Apac General Hospital is influenced by behavioral, medical, and health facility-related factors, which contribute to poor blood pressure control.
Recommendations:
The Ministry of Health and local health authorities should strengthen community health education on lifestyle modification, improve access to affordable antihypertensive drugs, and enhance counseling and follow-up services to improve hypertension prevention and management.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mable Anyango, Denis Obong, Filder Monica Odela, Ronald Awoi, Tonny Mike Omara, Lamex Ogwal (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
