Key result
Continuous outpatient care yields ~67% blood pressure control in Thai adults with hypertension.
Why the study?
Hypertension is a major global health concern, including in Thailand, prompting an assessment of patient characteristics and clinical outcomes under continuous care.
Cross-Sectional (n=36,557)
Yes
In a nationwide cross-sectional study in Thailand, two-thirds of patients with hypertension achieved target blood pressure control at their latest visit, but control rates dropped to less than half when requiring sustained control over two consecutive visits.
Suboptimal sustained BP control persists in Thai hypertension clinics despite continuous care; leaves open identification of barriers and targeted interventions.
Hypertension (HT) is a major global health concern, including in Thailand. The present study aimed to identify the characteristics and clinical outcomes of people with HT receiving continuous care in Thailand in 2018. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study in 2018. People with HT aged 20 years and older receiving medical care at outpatient clinics in the targeted hospitals for at least 12 months were included. A total of 36,557 people with HT nationwide were enrolled in the current study. 61.5% of the participants were women, and the average age of the participants was 64.7 years. Most participants (53.3%) required two or more antihypertensive medications to control blood pressure (BP). The overall prevalence of BP control (systolic BP, <140 mmHg; diastolic BP, <90 mmHg) was 66.6% and 49.4% at the latest visit and the latest two consecutive times, respectively. BP control rate was lower for people with HT residing in the southern region compared to other regions. The prevalence of achieving the target goal of LDL cholesterol level (<100 mg/dL) was 39.9%, and that of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was 47.6%. Only 15.2% of participants received a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) screening; among them, 2.8% had atrial fibrillation and 2.2% had left ventricular hypertrophy. The prevalence of the history of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and renal complications was 4.2%, 4.3%, and 13.1%, respectively, among people with HT. The findings indicated a potential for further improvement in the quality of HT care in Thailand. Accessibility to continuous care among males with HT requires additional responsiveness. BP control rate should be enhanced, especially in the southern region. A coverage of 12-lead ECG screening in people with HT should be increased. Weight management and reduction of LDL cholesterol levels should be encouraged to prevent cardiovascular complications. National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Thailand.
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Sakboonyarat et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=36,557). Continuous hypertension care was evaluated on Blood pressure control (systolic <140 mmHg, diastolic <90 mmHg) at the latest visit. Among Thai adults with hypertension, continuous care at outpatient clinics resulted in a blood pressure control rate of 66.6% at the latest visit and 49.4% over two consecutive visits.
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