Background: Patient related factors hindering optimal blood pressure (BP) control in patients with hypertension are unclear.
Objectives: To investigate the barriers to optimal hypertension management.
Methods: A survey on the awareness and management of hypertension was conducted in 556 patients (365 males, mean age 60.9 ± 10.1) from a rural community.
Results: Of the 556 patients who had a clinical diagnosis of hypertension, 127 (22.8%) were unaware the existence of the condition and received no therapy. In the 429 patients who were aware the presence of hypertension, 206 (48.0%) did not receive any antihypertensive medication at the time of this study. Fifty-four (12.5%) had a BP of less than 140/90 mm Hg. Only 21 (4.9%) received formal counselling or education from health professionals and 74 (17.2%) were aware of the optimal level of BP. Difficulty in accessing a specialist doctor was reported by 126 (29.4%). In 279 (65.0%), missing regular antihypertensive medications was reported in the 4-week period prior to this study. Omitting prescribed antihypertensive drugs due to the costs was reported by 169 (39.4%).
Conclusion: Inadequate counselling, lack of understanding on the disease, difficulties in accessing specialist care and poor medication adherence are the barriers to optimal BP control.
Keywords: anti-hypertensive drugs; hypertension; management barriers; specialist care.