Quality of Care for Patients with Hypertension in selected Health Centres in Rwamagana District, Rwanda

Abstract

BackgroundHypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and its prevalence is high in Rwanda. Rwanda has integrated the management of hypertension in health centres (HCs). However, little is known about the quality of hypertension care in HCs in Rwanda.Study objectiveTo examine the quality of care for patients with hypertension and associated outcome of hypertension control in Health Centres.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected from a convenience sample of 202 patients. A self-reported questionnaire and blood pressure measurement were taken. Data were analysed using descriptive, bivariate, and hierarchical logistic regression analyses.ResultsA total of 166 (82.2%) patients participated in the study. Of these, 130 (78.3%) were females. Mean age was 57.8 (SD =14.0). The quality of hypertension care process was high with mean score of 5.86 over 7 (SD = 1.4). However, only 30.1% (n = 50/166) had well-controlled hypertension. Comorbidity (OR = 2.3; 95% CI:1.0-5.1, p =.039) and the quality of care (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1- 2.4, p = .024) were associated with higher odds of having hypertension control.ConclusionTailored patient-centred primary care interventions that consider comorbidity could contribute to hypertension control in primary HCs in Rwanda.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(1):84-98