Determinants of hypertension among adults with diabetes mellitus attending chronic care clinics in public hospitals, Ambo Town, West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2024

Abstract Background The coexistence of hypertension and diabetic mellitus is a worldwide public health problem causing significant morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life, commonly in developing countries, including Ethiopia. While previous studies have explored some factors associated with hypertension, many potential variables have not been considered. This study aimed to examine determinants of hypertension among adults with diabetes attending chronic follow-up clinics in public hospitals of Ambo town, West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2024, involving 275 participants, including 137 cases and 138 controls. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected using adapted interviewer-administered questionnaires, physical measurements, and medical record reviews. Data entry was performed in Epi-Data version 4.6, and analysis was carried out in SPSS version 26. Bivariable logistic regression was used to identify candidate variables with p < 0.25, followed by multivariable logistic regression to determine statistically significant associations at p < 0.05 with 95% confidence intervals. Results The study included 275 diabetic individuals ( (137 cases and 138 controls), with a response rate of 98.9%. The mean age of cases was 57.58 ± 11.93 years and of controls 44.18 ± 14.04 years. Determinants significantly associated with hypertension among individuals with diabetes were age 41–60 years (AOR = 8.58; 95% CI 2.25–32.66), moderate stress (AOR = 6.00; 95% CI 1.59–22.52), low medication adherence (AOR = 11.02; 95% CI 2.44–49.65), infrequent physician visits (AOR = 2.80; 95% CI 1.10–7.82), longer duration of diabetes (AOR = 4.93; 95% CI 1.11–21.86), and poor glycemic control (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI 1.21–9.75). Conclusion Age, moderate stress, low medication adherence, poor glycemic control, infrequent physician visits, and longer duration of diabetes were identified as determinants of hypertension among adults with diabetes. Several of these factors can be addressed through improved diabetes management and regular follow-up. Targeted interventions focusing on these areas could help reduce the burden of hypertension in this population.