Prevalence and Determinants of Blood Pressure Control Among Hypertensive Patients Attending Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Hypertension remains a major global public health challenge and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature mortality. Despite the availability of effective treatment, blood pressure control(BP) remains suboptimal, particularly in Global South Nations. This study assessed BP control and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending the Medical Outpatient Clinic at Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among n= 222 hypertensive patients attending the clinic in the month of June 2026. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and medical record review. BP control was defined as <140/90 mmHg. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used for analysis at p < 0.05 significance level. Overall, 42% (n = 93) of participants had controlled BP, while 58% (n = 129) had uncontrolled hypertension. Most participants were female (58.6%) and rural residents (57.7%). High prevalence of comorbid diabetes mellitus(DM) (55.4%), physical inactivity (95.5%), and high salt intake (>60%) was observed. Significant factors associated with BP control included sex (p = 0.04), age (p = 0.05), BMI (p = 0.05), baseline BP status (p < 0.001), and treatment support (p = 0.03). Independent predictors of BP control were medication adherence (AOR=3.12), treatment support (AOR=2.41), BMI <25 kg/m² (AOR=1.72), duration of hypertension (AOR=0.63), diabetes comorbidity (AOR=0.54), male sex (AOR=0.58), and rural residence (AOR=0.69). More than half of hypertensive patients had poor BP control. Strengthening adherence support, lifestyle modification, and follow-up systems is essential to improve outcomes.