Abstract

Introduction: In the past two decades, the global trend of people with hypertension has doubled, with increasing prevalence observed among the older persons (60 years and above). Every three in four (75%) of older persons are currently estimated to have hypertension in low and middle-income countries. Uncontrolled hypertension accounts to nearly 2 in 10 all cause of deaths worldwide. Therefore, optimum control of hypertension is essential in averting premature deaths due to cardiovascular complications among older persons in later years. Aim: The study aimed at determining non-pharmacological factors associated with control of hypertension among older persons in Uganda. Methods: A secondary data analysis was done from a cross-sectional survey conducted in two districts –Mukono and Buikwe. Data collected consisted of socio-demographic factors, lifestyles factors, blood pressure and height measurements. We included 165 from 868 participants who were aware that they had hypertension. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure >140mmHg and Diastolic >90mmHg. We used a backward stepwise logistic regression with survey estimation to determine socio-demographic and lifestyle factors that were significantly associated with control of hypertension. Results: More than 2 in10 of the study participants had poor control of their high blood pressure (0.21%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI); 0.14-0.27). The factors that negatively affected control of hypertension were alcohol consumption (Odds ratio (OR), 2.50; 95% CI; 1.06 -5.56) and primary level of education (OR, 2.70, 95% CI; 1.09- 7.14). Factors associated with good control of hypertension included; participants having received health professional advice (OR, 0.39; 95% CI; 0.17-0.91) and attainment of secondary education (OR; 0.54, 95% CI; 0.31- 2.22). Conclusions: Factors associated with control of hypertension among older persons included alcohol consumption, education and participants having received health professional advice. The government should prioritize interventions that address health promoting lifestyles as part of life course since ageing is a transitional process. Strategies should be drawn to improve health literacy levels on the management of chronic disease among older persons.