Barriers to blood pressure control in treated patients attending public
primary healthcare clinics in Gaborone, Botswana.
Abstract
Background: High blood pressure (BP) prevalence is high and increasing
in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Unfortunately,
uncontrolled BP causes cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and kidney
disease. The high morbidity and mortality that results from uncontrolled
BP comes at a high cost to families and countries. Knowledge of the
barriers to BP control may help in crafting suitable interventions.
Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study to explore the
barriers to BP control among patients already on BP treatment in public
PHC clinics in Gaborone Botswana. Data was collected from patients,
nurses, doctors, and district health managers, through structured
interviews. The interviews were conducted using an interview guide, and
they were audio recorded. The interviews were translated into English
transcripts and the transcripts were analysed for themes using NVivo.
Results: Eighteen participants were interviewed. The barriers to BP
control were health system related, healthcare worker related, patient
related, and socio-economic. Conclusions: Barriers to BP control among
patients receiving BP treatment were multifactorial and included health
system, healthcare worker, patient, and socioeconomic factors. There
needs to be a holistic approach to overcome these barriers and special
attention to be given to doctor knowledge, patients’ lifestyles, and
adherence to treatment.