Hypertension treatment practices and outcomes at health community centres in urban Soweto, South Africa

Kudakwashe Nyamupangedengu, David Twesigomwe, Andrew K. May, Neil Martinson, Ziyaad Waja, Raadhiya Osman, Collen Masimirembwa, Michèle Ramsay

Abstract

In this study, we explored hypertension (HT) management in urban Soweto, South Africa, involving 364 participants from primary healthcare clinics. At baseline, 40% of participants were prescribed one drug, and 53% were given two drugs. Thiazide diuretics and calcium channel blockers were most prescribed at baseline. Blood pressure (BP) control at the first follow-up was achieved by 50% of those on single- drug therapy and 52% of those on two-drug therapy. Men showed higher rates of uncontrolled BP (60%) compared to women (42%). Significant factors influencing BP reduction included age, sex, waist circumference, and treatment clinic. In this study, single and combination therapies yielded similar outcomes in BP control. The study suggests that HT treatment approaches varied between clinics, potentially due to comorbidities and continuity of care challenges. Further research is needed to identify best practices across different South African settings, considering drug availability and cost.