Hypertension in an Emergency Department Population in Moshi, Tanzania; A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Hypertension Control

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279377
• Publication Date: 2023-01-06T18:50:18Z
• Authors: Sophie W. Galson; Msafiri Pesambili; Joao Ricardo Nick...; Preeti Manavalan; Julian T. Hertz; Gloria Temu; Catherine A. Staton; John W. Stanifer
• Keywords: Science; Q; R; Focus Groups; Tanzania; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Hypertension; Medicine; Humans; Emergency Service, Hospital; Qualitative Research; Research Article

Background Sub-Saharan Africa has a high prevalence of hypertension with low rate awareness, treatment adherence, and control. The emergency department (ED) may represent unique opportunity to improve screening, linkage care. We conducted qualitative study among hypertensive patients presenting the ED their healthcare providers determine barriers care Methods In northern Tanzania, between November December 2017, we three focus group discussions in-depth interviews physicians. our study, was defined as single blood pressure ≥160/100 mm Hg or two-time average ≥140/90 Hg. Barriers were identified by thematic analysis applying an inductive approach within framework method. Results enrolled 24 total into groups performed individual providers. Thematic two major domains: 1) patient knowledge, attitudes, practices, 2) structural Four themes emerged practices domain, including disease chronicity, provider communication, family support, fear-based attitudes. Within several that impeded follow-up self-management, cost, access care, transportation wait time. Conclusion Patients physicians multiple facilitators These perspectives be helpful design department-based interventions target control outpatient