Identifying patient-related barriers in hypertension control: a multi-centered, mixed-method study in Greek rural practices

Introduction: Treated but uncontrolled hypertension is a worldwide challenge. Exploring patient perspectives in different cultures and contexts could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of poor blood pressure (BP) control. This study aimed to investigate patients' knowledge and attitudes towards BP management in order to identify possible barriers to achieving effective control.

Methods: A mixed-methods study, using both quantitative and qualitative research methodology, was conducted by 12 general practitioners working in rural areas in five different prefectures in Greece. A 42-item, pre-tested questionnaire was completed by the hypertensive patients who visited the practices and were included among the first 20 patients for 20 consecutive working days. Included participants were patients who (a) had diagnosed hypertension and received BP-lowering medication, (b) were aged over 18 years, (c) had physical and mental ability to participate in an interview, (d) had adequate understanding of the Greek language and (e) provided signed, informed consent. The open-ended questions used to identify the patient-related barriers in hypertension control were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results: A total of 613 hypertensive patients were recruited (response rate 91%); mean age was 71.5 years (SD 9.4, range 34-100) and 39.5% (242) were male. Uncontrolled BP was found in 41.3% (253), of which 67.6% (171) considered their BP controlled, 18.6% (47) uncontrolled, while 13.8% (35) were unaware of their status. Women were more likely to achieve BP control (OR 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.04-2.00). As many as 287 (46.8%) patients knew the optimal values for BP. The identified barriers in hypertension control were grouped into six themes: knowledge gaps, intolerance of adverse events, negligence, unmet individual preferences, financial barriers and overtreatment of hypertension.

Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the possible disconnection between their patients' perceived and actual BP control, given frequent overestimation of BP control rates and the lack of knowledge of target BP levels. They should bear in mind that covering their patients' knowledge gaps is essential in empowering their patients to get more actively involved in the management of their chronic condition. Simultaneously, physicians should aim to elicit each patient's attitudes, concerns about adverse events, individual preferences, as well as possible financial barriers and negligence, in an effort to actually see the antihypertensive treatment 'through their patients' eyes' and eliminate possible barriers in medication adherence. The provision of patient-centered care remains the gold standard for eliminating patient-related barriers and achieving higher levels of BP control.