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

Background:  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.

Aim:  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).

Setting:  Six health facilities of the Kimpese Health Zone were selected.

Methods:  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.

Results:  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.

Conclusion:  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.