Abstract P137: Socioeconomic Status And Hypertension Control In Sub-saharan Africa: The Multination Eight Study

Introduction: Systemic hypertension is a rapidly growing epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. Adequacy of blood pressure(BP) control and the factors influencing it, especially the role of socio-economic status(SES) have not been well studied in this part of the world. Hypothesis: We therefore aimed to quantify the association of SES both at the individual and at the country level with BP control in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in urban clinics of twelve countries, both low-income and middle-income, in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data were collected on demographics, treatment and standardized BP measures were made among the hypertensive patients attending the clinics. BP control was defined as BP<140/90 mmHg and hypertension grades were defined according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Country income was retrieved from the World Bank database and patient’s individual wealth status was documented by the treating physician. The separate association between SES (both cou...