Determinants of blood pressure and blood glucose control in patients with co-morbid hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghana: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Hypertension and diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and optimal control of blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease events. This study, therefore, sought to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of controlled BP and blood glucose levels among patients diagnosed with both hypertension and Type 2- diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in a primary health setting in Ghana among patients 18 years and older diagnosed with both hypertension and T2DM. Pearson’s chi-square was used to assess the association between BP and blood glucose levels and the independent variables. The multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to assess the adjusted odds of controlled BP and blood glucose levels. Among the 329 participants diagnosed with both hypertension and T2DM, 41.3% (95% CI: 36.1–46.8%) had controlled BP, 57.1% (95% CI: 51.7–62.4%) had controlled blood glucose whilst 21.8% (95% CI: 17.7–26.7%) had both controlled BP and blood glucose levels. Increased age, non-formal education, non-married, employed, single-dose anti-hypertensives or anti-diabetic medications, and hyperlipidaemia or stroke co-morbidities were positively associated with controlled BP levels. Being female, married, taking 2 or more anti-hypertensive medications, and moderate to high medication-related burden were positively associated with controlled blood glucose levels. In terms of both controlled BP and blood glucose levels, being employed, reduced income level, being registered with national health insurance, single anti-diabetes or anti-hypertensive medications, hyperlipidaemia or stroke co-morbidities, and moderate to high medication-related burden were positively associated with having both controlled BP and blood glucose levels. One in five patients with hypertension and T2DM had both BP and blood glucose levels under control. The benefits and risks of blood pressure and blood glucose targets should thus be factored into the management of patients with hypertension and T2DM.

Aloe Vera: Potential to Reduce Fasting Blood Sugar Levels in Prediabetes

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Factors influencing medication adherence in co-morbid hypertension and diabetes patients: A scoping review

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Prevalence of diabetes and associated risk factors in Ga Mashie, Accra, Ghana – the CARE Diabetes community-based survey

“…While the role of diet, physical activity, medication, and regular screenings is acknowledged, social, cultural, and economic factors, as well as awareness of one's diabetic status, significantly influence health behaviours (19). Previous studies conducted in Ghana have identified barriers to diabetes prevention and management, including perceptions of risk, resistance to behaviour change, social stigma, psychosocial burden, economic constraints, medication non-adherence and limited access to healthcare facilities and nutritious foods (20)(21)(22). Addressing these challenges necessitates the development of cost-effective diabetes prevention programs tailored to the Ghanaian population.…”