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Challenges of Hypertension Diagnosis in Urban Informal Settlements: A Case of Kibera Slum, Nairobi Kenya
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Tecla, Navarra Masi Joram, Ogal Ng'endo, Karanja Victor, Marcelo M. Mercy, Okoh Gregory, Omondi Sarah, Karanja Samuel, Muhula Lilian, Mbau |
| Copyright Year | 2017 |
| Abstract | Background: Hypertension prevalence of raised blood pressure in Kenya is estimated at 23.8%. Hypertension readings of systolic 140-159 and diastolic of 90-99 without risk factors should be confirmed on three separate occasions of at least 6 hours apart for diagnosis to be made as stipulated in Kenya Ministry of Health non-communicable diseases (NCDs) protocol. The objective of this study is to evaluate the hypertension diagnosis process and to find out reasons for non-completion of follow-up visits following initial high blood pressure (BP) screening. Methodology: This is a retrospective cohort study where patients reached with hypertension screening between October 2015 and March 2016 was followed up for diagnosis. Data was recorded in manual linkage registers and analysis done for individuals with initially elevated BP who came for subsequent readings to final diagnosis. Descriptive statistical method was used to analyse the data. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to find out reasons for low uptake of hypertension services. Results: A total of 34,779 people were screened for hypertension between the period of October 2015-March 2016, of which 17.7% (n=6,150) had initial high BP. About 32% (n=1,972) of the patients with an initial elevated BP returned for subsequent readings and completed the diagnosis process; diagnosed with hypertension was 23% (n=1421). Main reasons for non-completion of follow up visits as documented from focus group discussions were: long waiting hours in a health facility; stigma; perception of well-being; long diagnostic process of three readings; and poor health seeking behaviors among people with raised blood pressure. Conclusion: There was a high attrition rate along the hypertension diagnosis process with about with about 68% being undiagnosed cases. The study highlighted the following possible factors as contributing to high attrition: long diagnostic process of three readings, long waiting time at the facility, stigma, asymptomatic nature of hypertension; and poor health seeking behaviours among people with raised BP. |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| DOI | 10.16966/2469-6714.123 |
| Volume Number | 3 |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://sciforschenonline.org/journals/clinical-research/article-data/CLROA-3-123/CLROA-3-123.pdf |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://doi.org/10.16966/2469-6714.123 |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
