Determinants of hypertension crisis and stroke among hypertensive patients in South Wollo and Oromia special zones public hospitals

Background: Uncontrolled hypertension results in hypertension crisis, and it is an important public health concern around the world. The incidence of complicating hospitalizations with hypertension continues to grow and is associated with increased mortality and adverse discharge. Hypertension crisis and stroke are caused by numerous factors; however, there is a paucity of studies to identify determinants of hypertension crisis and stroke in Ethiopia, particularly the study area. Objective: To identify determinants of hypertension crisis and stroke among hypertensive patients in South Wollo zone and Oromia special zone public hospitals, 2022. Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 participants in South Wollo and Oromia special zones public hospitals. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences version 23. Variables having P<0.25 in binary logistic regression was retained in the multivariable analysis to control the effect of confounding. Finally, determinants were identified based on adjusted odds ratio along with 95% confidence level at p-value less than 0.05. Model fitness was checked using Hosmer-Lemshow test. Results: In this study, the magnitude of hypertensive crisis was 35.6%(95%CI:31.1,40.4). Age(41-60years)(AOR=0.76,95%CI:0.42,0.98), Social support(AOR=0.82,95%CI:0.41,0.93), living in urban(AOR=0.56,95%CI:0.24,0.86) and good medication adherence(AOR=0.48,95%CI:0.29,0.83) were determinants of hypertensive crisis. Another, the magnitude of stroke was 5.0%(95%CI:3.1,7.8). Rural residence (AOR=3.4,95%CI:1.23,9.44), Systolic blood pressure (AOR=9.6,95%CI:2.71,34.06), family history of stroke (AOR=0.26,95%CI:0.07,0.79) were determinants of stroke. Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of hypertensive crisis was high, whereas the magnitude of stroke was relatively low. Age 41-60 years, urban residence, having social support and good medication adherence were determinants of hypertensive crisis, while rural residence, systolic blood pressure and family history of stroke were determinants of stroke. Thus, health care providers should screen aged patients and patients with family history of stoke.