Magnitude and Factors Associated with Uncontrolled Blood Pres sure among Adult Hypertensive Patients Attending at Medical Referral Clinic of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama Regional State of Ethiopia, 2021

Background: Hypertension is a worldwide public health problem. Uncontrolled blood pressure contributes to the burden of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and renal failure leading to early mortality and disability. Good control of blood pressure (BP) is vital to prevent the complications mentioned above. However, the blood pressure control rate in adult hypertensive patients is poor, and the reasons for poor BP control are not fully understood globally. Objective: This study aimed at determining the magnitude of uncontrolled blood pressure and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients attending the cardiovascular clinic of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, southern Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September2021 on 227 adult hypertensive patients attending the cardiovascular clinic of Hawassa University Comprehensive Hospital. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews and chart review. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. A logistic regression model (p-value of ≤0.05 and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval) was used to measure the strength of the association. Result: Of the total respondents, 147 (64.8%) were males. The mean age of the respondents was 51.4 ± 12years. The magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension was found 57.3%. Overweight (AOR = 7.526, 95% CI: 2.932, 19.317), lack of health education (AOR =3.3, 95% CI: 0.137, 8.03), non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medication (AOR = 5.588, 95% CI: 1.160, 26.918), non-adherence to physical activity (AOR =2.619, 95% CI: 1.089, 6.300) and use of top added salt (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.019, 6.707) were independent predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusion: The magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension is high. Patients’ adherence to antihypertensive medication, physical exercise, and weight reduction can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension. Salt reduction and health education are also vital. Keywords: Associated factors, Blood pressure control, Cross-Sectional Study