Cognitive factors associated with hypertension and diabetes control among diagnosed and treated patients; findings from a community cohort in India

Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes are a challenge for healthcare providers worldwide. The research documenting the underlying risk factors of uncontrolled chronic illnesses in community cohorts from India is negligible. The current cross-sectional household door-knock survey conducted among 759 participants aged 30 and above from a geographically well-defined area examines the cognitive risk factors associated with hypertension and diabetes control in the Indian population. The study used an assessment tool consisting of a socio-demographic questionnaire, items to measure cognitive factors, and onsite hypertension and diabetes measurements. Results suggested that among the participants, more than 36% had hypertension, 26% had diabetes, and of those with diagnosed diabetes and hypertension, more than 22% with hypertension and 48% with diabetes had uncontrolled conditions. Univariate analysis suggests that cognitive functioning was negatively associated with uncontrolled hypertension and psychological impairments of depression and anxiety were positively associated. The associations were not significant for uncontrolled diabetes. Only if treatments integrate psychological and cognitive interventions to ensure adherence to medical and lifestyle modifications will it achieve the WHO target of 80% control of detected conditions. The findings can inform the policies and programs to optimise government spending and modify the current chronic condition management practices.