Effects of Healthcare Access and Education on Hypertension Risk in Kenyan Men Aged 35-70: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases that is on the rise, also referred to as a 'silent' chronic killer. It is defined as a systemic blood pressure of more than 140mmHg systolic and more than 90mmHg diastolic. Education level and accessibility to health care are vital risk factors that have a direct impact on hypertension. Awareness enables an individual to diminish the myths and misconceptions about hypertension, which include the use of herbal medications for hypertension.
This review sought to evaluate the effects of healthcare access and education as risk factors for hypertension among male patients aged 35-70 who attend government health centers in Kenya.
Primary studies were reviewed using four databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct). This was done systematically by employing the illustration by Arksey, O'Malley, and Levac. The scoping review adopted a broad literature search that allowed the transparency, reproducibility, and a state of reliable literature. A narrative synthesis was used to describe the included studies and results.
Eleven primary studies were found to be eligible for this review. These articles met all the inclusion criteria. The studies were obtained from Western (n=3), Nairobi (n=2), Rift Valley (n=2), Coastal (n=1), Central (n=1), Eastern (n=0), North Eastern (n=0), and all regions (n=2).
The studies' results picked out pertinent factors. Group medical visits are lower in both males and females, which influences disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Screening also came out as another very significant reason for hypertension; impaired screening results in delayed diagnosis of hypertension.
Education has a direct impact on hypertension, i.e., the more educated one is, the lower the chances of becoming hypertensive. For male participants who took the screening positively and were started on treatment, the blood pressure was well controlled, and linkage to the nearby health facilities was done.
Awareness about hypertension leads to early detection and, as a result, early initiation of therapy. Linkage to the facilities ensures that the clients are followed up on keenly to avoid late treatment. Encouraging the population to obtain health insurance is essential to making sure that they obtain access to health care.