Among insured employees with hypertension, 71% were aware, 49% were treated, and only 12% had controlled blood pressure, with days of medication being the only variable associated with control.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,394)
What are the determinants of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in a population with full access to medical care?
Even with comprehensive medical insurance and no financial barriers, hypertension control remains poor (12%), suggesting that improving access to primary care without changing the nature of care is insufficient.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to identify the determinants of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in a population with full access to medical care. METHODS: Unionized New York City health care workers (n = 1394) with comprehensive medical insurance were screened for hypertension. Union records documenting all physician visits and prescription medications for the year before screening provided the opportunity to relate patterns of treatment to blood pressure outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 409 employees found to have hypertension, 289 (71%) were aware of their condition and 201 (49%) had been treated, but only 51 (12%) had their blood pressure controlled at the recommended level (< 140/90 mm Hg). In a logistic regression model, the only variable of treatment associated with control was days of antihypertensive medication. The total number of physician visits was not associated with control. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that in conventional community settings, even in the absence of financial barriers, treatment for hypertension continues to be characterized by poor outcomes. Improving access to primary care, without changes in the nature of that care, may not substantially improve blood pressure control.
Stockwell et al. (1994) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=1,394). Antihypertensive medication and physician visits was evaluated on Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension (< 140/90 mm Hg). Among insured employees with hypertension, 71% were aware, 49% were treated, and only 12% had controlled blood pressure, with days of medication being the only variable associated with control.