@article{Ogaji_Naa-ere_Okumoko_Ekejiuba_Mezie-Okoye_2016, title={Investigating outcomes in the management of hypertension by specialists in a University Hospital}, volume={16}, url={https://tnhjph.com/index.php/tnhj/article/view/249}, abstractNote={<p><strong>Background:</strong> Hypertension is an acknowledged risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and this risk is heightened with co-existence of other risk factors and long-term co-morbidities. This study reviewed outcomes in the management of hypertension at the medical outpatient clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.</p> <p><strong>Method:</strong> Cross-sectional survey using interviewer-administered questionnaires and review of records of 182 randomly selected regular patients at the medical out-patients’ clinic. Outcomes measured were patients’ adherence to treatment, prevailing/persistent risk factors, co-morbidities, trend in patients’ blood pressure and cholesterol levels over last three consecutive visits. Data were analysis using (SPSS) version 20.0.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 182 patients studied, 37.4% were males and 62.6% females. About half (45.0%) reported adherence to the treatment protocol. The main persisting risk factors were overweight (73.1%) and high low density lipoprotein cholesterol (81.0%) while the commonest co-morbidity was diabetes (26.9%). Proportion of clients with uncontrolled BP progressively declined over the last 3 visits (63.7 à 60.4à 54.4%) though not statistically significant (state p-value). Poor adherence was significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension (p = 0.004).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Poor adherence with management plan was a significant hindrance to BP control. Findings also suggest benefits in regular follow-up of hypertensive patients. There is need for lifestyle and behavioural modifications in managing hypertension.</p>}, number={2}, journal={The Nigerian Health Journal}, author={Ogaji, Daprim and Naa-ere, Promise Yiganubari and Okumoko, E and Ekejiuba, C and Mezie-Okoye, Magaret}, year={2016}, month={Oct.}, pages={76} }