Blood pressure control in Morocco: A cross-sectional study in urban primary health care facilities

The control of hypertension is often suboptimal, influenced by individual and environmental factors. This study aims to identify the prevalence of risk factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure in urban hypertensive patients.

A cross-sectional analytical study conducted on 604 hypertensive patients followed up in Settat's urban primary health centers. A questionnaire was developed to assess their knowledge of hypertension. Medication compliance was measured using the GIRERD test, and physical activity was assessed using the GPAQ questionnaire. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were also taken.

Blood pressure control was inadequate in 61.1% (n=369) of participants, the risk factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure were: non-adherence to a low-salt diet (aOR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08-1.27; P<0.001), low physical activity (aOR: 4.91; 95% CI: 1.37-17.51; P<0.01), poor compliance with medication (aOR: 8.83; 95% CI: 5.10-15.26; P<0.001) and dissatisfaction with PHCF services (aOR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.15-1.52; P=0.003).

The inadequate blood pressure control observed in this population highlights the need for targeted interventions to reinforce therapeutic education on the importance of appropriate diet, physical activity and medication compliance. Improving the quality of care in health centers will be essential to optimize the management of hypertension.