Original Article

Rural-urban Differences in Factors Associated with Poor Blood Pressure Control Among Outpatients

Authors: Dana E. King, MD, MS, Jeremy R. Crisp, BS

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine which patient-related factors are most strongly associated with having uncontrolled hypertension among outpatients.


Methods: A sample of 300 outpatients with diagnosed hypertension from three different settings was reviewed, focusing on demographics, comorbidity, adherence, and treatment factors. Regression analyses were conducted to determine which factors were associated with poor BP control (>140mmHg systolic or >90mmHg diastolic).


Results: Those most strongly associated with blood pressure control were men (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.17–3.55) living in a rural setting (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.55). Age, race, total number of medicines, number of visits, and the number of comorbidities were not significantly associated with poor blood pressure control in this population.


Conclusions: Being urban and male are strongly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Public health blood pressure control efforts in the Southeast region should be directed toward this population.


Key Points


* Being male and being from an urban setting are two of the most important patient-related factors associated with poor control of hypertension.


* Public health measures in the southeastern United States may need to target urban men to reach Healthy People 2010 goals for blood pressure control.

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