Background. High blood pressure (BP) is a common comorbidity in older patients with cancer. However, real world evidence regarding BP control among older patients with cancer remains scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to examine the prevalence of suboptimal control of BP among older patients with cancer in Vietnam and its key predictors. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of cancer patients aged ≥65 years with a diagnosis of hypertension in Vietnam from 2023 to 2024. Suboptimal BP control was defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg. To examine factors associated with suboptimal BP control, multivariable logistic regression models were employed, and the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Among 253 cancer patients with hypertension (mean age 73±6.0 years; 49.4% women), 28.1% had suboptimal BP control. On multivariable analysis, anorexia (aOR 1.93, 95%CI 1.05–3.54), dyslipidemia (aOR 1.87, 95%CI 1.04–3.36), and polypharmacy (aOR 1.82, 95%CI 1.01–3.28) were associated with higher odds of suboptimal BP control. In contrast, regular exercise (aOR 0.54, 95%CI 0.29–0.98) and severe comorbidity, a Charlson Comorbidity Index≥5 (aOR 0.47, 95%CI 0.25–0.86), were associated with lower odds of suboptimal BP control. Conclusion. In this study, over a quarter of cancer patients had suboptimal BP control, and those with conditions such as anorexia, dyslipidemia, and polypharmacy exhibited a markedly higher burden. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the contributing factors to optimize BP control and improve outcomes in older patients with cancer.

Aim. This study aimed to assess medication adherence among older people with coronary heart disease and its relationship with hospitalizations. Methods. This is a prospective cohort study conducted at the outpatient clinics of a major hospital in Vietnam from November 2022 to June 2023. Consecutive older patients with coronary heart disease were recruited and followed for 6 months. Medication adherence was defined using the five‐item Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5). Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine the impact of medication adherence on hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause hospitalization. Results. There were 643 participants. They had a mean age of 73 (SD 8), and 74.3% were male. Overall, 76.4% (491/643) were classified as “adherence”. Over 6 months follow-up, 23.3% of the participants admitted to hospital and of these, 9.2% were due to CVD. The CVD hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the adherence group compared to the non-adherence group (7.7% versus 13.8%, p = 0.023, respectively). In logistic regression models, medication adherence was associated with a significant reduced likelihood of CVD hospitalization (adjusted OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.27 – 0.86). Medication adherence was also associated with a trend of reduced all-cause hospitalization (adjusted OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.49 – 1.15). Conclusions. This study showed a positive relationship between medication adherence and reduced risk of CVD hospitalization in older people with coronary heart disease. Healthcare providers should consider incorporating adherence assessment into the long-term care for older patients with coronary heart disease.