Determinants of Hypertension Complications Among Adult Hypertensive Patients in Medical Wards at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi

Hypertension is a silent killer disease owing to the late recognition of symptoms. Uncontrolled hypertension is the primary risk factor for stroke, heart failure and kidney failure in sub Saharan Africa. Control of hypertension is associated with a larger reduction in morbidity and mortality. Efforts to address the complications associated with hypertension are still a global concern. In sub Saharan Africa the epidemiological transition of non communicable diseases poses a great threat to most of the population. The main aim of this study was to identify the determinants of hypertension complications among hypertensive patients in Kenyatta National Hospital. A cross sectional descriptive design among eighty hypertensive patients in medical wards in Kenyatta National Hospital was conducted. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, key informants interviews and focused group discussions. 34 (42.5%) participants were already suffering hypertension complications at the time of the study. The mean age of participants was 49.7 years (SD 15.1). There was a significant association between current systolic blood pressure (p = 0.033), adding salt to food (p = 0.01), level of education (p=0.001) and hypertension complication. Finances and lack of adequate knowledge were main factors cited to be contributing to development of hypertension complications among in the key informants interviews and Focused Group Discussion.