Title:
A Comparative Study on the Characteristics and Risk Factors among Hypertensive Patients in Referral and Community Hospitals

Authors:
Ntezimana Jean Nepomuscene, Runmin Sun and Yu Jing, China

Abstract:

Background: Hypertension is a serious global public health problem because of its high incidence and associated risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease (Van der Sande MAB, 2000). It has been listed as the leading cause of mortality and the third leading factor of disability-adjusted life years (Gao Yun, 2013).

Objective: To identify and compare hypertensive patients' risk factors, characteristics, and treatment practices in community and referral hospitals.
Methods: Patients with hypertension from community hospitals in Lanzhou city and Lanzhou university second hospital, a third-degree referral hospital, were studied in a cross-sectional survey. Data was gathered using a questionnaire, including socio-demographic information, hypertension history, risk factors, treatment practices, and anthropometric measurements. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis and tests.
Results: The study enrolled a total of 623 hypertensive patients, with 334 (53.6%) from referral hospital and 289 (46.4%) from community hospitals. Both institutions found that age, occupation, smoking, not performing physical activities (Sport), aspirin users, and those with a history of diabetes were significantly associated with hypertension, with P < 0. 05. The selection proportion of β- receptor blockers, CCB, and ARB in community hospitals patients was lower than that in referral hospital patients (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: The patients with hypertension from community hospitals are more uncomplicated in clinical condition, lesser in complication， and lower in compliance with hypertension guidelines than those from hospital referral hospital. Therefore, in the future, we should make full use of community resources, widely carry out intensive community health education on chronic diseases, including hypertension, improving lifestyle modification, and promoting regular checkups among community residents.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2021.5401