# Factors associated to hypertension knowledge and control in Kimpese, Democratic Republic of the Congo

## TL;DR

This study explores factors affecting hypertension knowledge and control among patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, finding that poor education and lack of professional information are linked to poor outcomes.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with poor hypertension knowledge and control in a Congolese population.

## Key findings

- Low educational level, rural residence, and lack of health professional information are linked to poor hypertension knowledge.
- High cardiovascular risk and subclinical atherosclerosis are associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
- Insufficient knowledge and comorbidities contribute to poor hypertension control.

## Abstract

Worldwide, the proportion of hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure is poor. Knowledge on hypertension has been recognised as a major determinant of uncontrolled hypertension.

This study aimed to determine factors associated with knowledge and control of hypertension among hypertensive patients in Kimpese Health Zone, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Six health facilities of the Kimpese Health Zone were selected.

This study was an analytical cross-sectional study from May 2021 to December 2021. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical data and knowledge on hypertension was collected. Factors associated with knowledge and control of hypertension were determined using logistic regression analysis.

A total of 301 participants with a sex ratio of 1:3 (F > M) and a mean age of 60.5 ± 12.1 years were included in the study. Poor knowledge on hypertension (79.1%) and a treatment failure (84.3%) were common. Low educational level (p = 0.024; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.64 [1.72–3.73]), rural residence (p = 0.02; aOR = 3.34 [1.24–8.52]) and a lack of information by a health professional (physician or nurse) (p ≤ 0.001; aOR = 3.34 [1.24–8.52]) were significantly associated with poor knowledge. In addition, high cardiovascular risk (p = 0.009; aOR = 2.75 [1.29–5.84]), subclinical atherosclerosis (p = 0.000, AOR = 9.26 [3.54–24.23]) and absence of knowledge on hypertension (p = 0.042, AOR = 1.96 [1.49–2.23]) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

There was propensity of uncontrolled hypertension and poor knowledge among the study participants. Poor socio-demographic conditions and a lack of accurate information on hypertension increased odds of poor knowledge of the disease. In addition, insufficient knowledge on hypertension and comorbidities were associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Education on hypertension and screening; managing comorbidities in integrating approach to non-communicable diseases are key components of managing hypertension in our setting to improve health outcomes.