Adherence to a dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) and associated factors among hypertensive patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia: a non-pharmacological approach.

Objective: To assess adherence to a dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) and associated factors among hypertensive patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Iluu Abbaa Boor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 study participants in public health hospitals in the Iluu Abbaa Boor Zone. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants.Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Table, graphs and charts were used to present descriptive statistics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were run. Variables with p<0.25 in bivariable logistic regression were considered candidates for multivariable logistic regression.Finally, variables with p<0.05 at 95% CI were considered to be statistically significant.

Result: The overall adherence to DASH was 37%. Male sex (adjusted OR (AOR)=5.8, 95% CI (2.9, 11.6), p<0.01), age >40 years (AOR=3.6, 95% CI (1.7, 7.5), p<0.01), marital status (married) (AOR=4.0, 95% CI (1.7, 9.5), p<0.001), employed individuals (AOR=4.0, 95% CI (1.3, 12.5), p<0.015) and rural residents (AOR=3.0, 95% CI (1.7, 8.2), p<0.001) were more likely to adhere to DASH than their counterparts.

Conclusion: Adherence to the DASH was very low among the study participants in the study area.Health professionals must give due attention to promoting adherence to the DASH. Special attention should be given to young adults, females and urban residents, unmarried and unemployed individuals.