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

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.Contribution: 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.