Effect of Nurse-Based Management of Hypertension in Rural Western Kenya

Elevated blood pressure is the leading cause of death worldwide; however, treatment and control rates remain very low. An expanding literature supports the strategy of task redistribution of hypertension care to nurses.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of a nurse-based hypertension management program in Kenya.

We conducted a retrospective data analysis of patients with hypertension who initiated nurse-based hypertension management care between January 1, 2011, and October 31, 2013. The primary outcome measure was change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) over one year, analyzed using piecewise linear mixed-effect models with a cut point at 3 months. The primary comparison of interest was care provided by nurses versus clinical officers. Secondary outcomes were change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over one year, and blood pressure control analyzed using a zero-inflated Poisson model.

The cohort consisted of 1051 adult patients (mean age 61 years; 65% women). SBP decreased significantly from baseline to three months (nurse-managed patients: slope -4.95 mmHg/month; clinical officer-managed patients: slope -5.28), with no significant difference between groups. DBP also significantly decreased from baseline to three months with no difference between provider groups. Retention in care at 12 months was 42%.

Nurse-managed hypertension care can significantly improve blood pressure. However, retention in care remains a challenge. If these results are reproduced in prospective trial settings with improvements in retention in care, this could be an effective strategy for hypertension care worldwide.