Abstract

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is emerging as an important outcome in hypertension and can be adversely affected by hypertension itself and side effects of antihypertensive drugs.

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the HRQOL of hypertensive patients and to identify the factors affecting HRQOL, especially drug related factors.

Materials and Methods: A total of 254 patients, who fulfilled the selection criteria, were enrolled for the study. Patients were approached after they finished consultation with the physician and their case record sheets were reviewed for gathering the necessary information as per case record form. Patients’ HRQOL was assessed using MINICHAL scale.

Results: Among total 254 patients, patients with pre-hypertension, Stage 1, and Stage 2 of hypertension were 152, 73, and 29, respectively. Blood pressure (BP) controlled was achieved in only 31.5% of patients with drug therapy. The average scores in mental and somatic domains of MINICHAL scale were 2.5 ± 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–2.9) and 3.1 ± 3.5 (95% CI: 3.0–4.0), respectively, with mean total score of 5.5 ± 5.3 (95% CI: 4.6–6.0). Males have significantly lower MINICHAL score (P < 0.01) than females. Patients, who were living with family (P < 0.046), with illiterate (P = 0.001), with regular physical exercise (P = 0.004), and with controlled BP (P < 0.05), have significantly lower MINICHAL score. HRQOL was not significantly different in patients of any age, number of drugs prescribed, severity and duration of hypertension, concomitant disease, salt restriction, and selection of drugs, coprescription of antiplatelet, or statins or development of adverse drug reactions.

Conclusion: This study has shown the lower HRQOL among hypertensive patients, and it was associated with gender, education, physical exercise, and BP control achieved.

Key words: Health-related Quality of Life; Hypertension; Determinants; MINICHAL Scale