Multicenter study of blood pressure control and its determinants in 1004 hypertensive patients followed in primary health care facilities in Settat/Morocco

<ns3:p>Background and Objectives Controlling blood pressure is a central objective in the management of hypertension. However, it is often inadequate due to environmental and/or patient-related factors. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure and to identify the associated risk factors in hypertensive patients followed up in health centers in Settat city. Materials and Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to February 2024 in 21 primary care facilities (12 urban and 9 rural) in Settat, including 1004 hypertensive patients. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering medical, therapeutic and knowledge aspects of hypertension. Compliance medication was assessed by the Girerd test, and physical activity by the Global Physical Activity questionnaire recommended by the World Health Organization. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken in accordance with international standards. Results Uncontrolled blood pressure affected 57.9% (n=581) of patients. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant association with rural environment (OR = 3.13; 95% CI [2.06-4.74]), advanced age (OR = 1.39; CI95% [1.09-1.63]), low monthly income (OR = 1.37; CI95% [1.21-1.56]), high-salt diet (OR = 1.39; CI95% [1.15-1.69]) and poor compliance with medication (OR = 7.24; CI95% [5.09-10.31]). Conclusion Unsatisfactory blood pressure control in Moroccan hypertensive patients has highlighted the need to take into account the sociodemographic dimension in the management of hypertension, and the role of health centers in supplying patients with antihypertensive drugs and therapeutic and behavioral education to optimize blood pressure control.</ns3:p>