A Narrative Synthesis of the Health Systems Factors Influencing Optimal Hypertension Control in Sub-Saharan Africa

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), an estimated 74.7 million individuals are hypertensive. Reducing the growing burden of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa will require a variety of strategies one of which is identifying the extent to which actions originating at the health systems level improves optimal management and control.</p><p>Methods and Results</p><p>We conducted a narrative synthesis of available papers examining health systems factors influencing optimal hypertension in SSA. Eligible studies included those that analyzed the impact of health systems on hypertension awareness, treatment, control and medication adherence. Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria and the narrative synthesis identified the following themes: 1) how physical resources influence mechanisms supportive of optimal hypertension control; 2) the role of human resources with enabling and/or inhibiting hypertension control goals; 3) the availability and/or use of intellectual resources; 4) how health systems financing facilitate and/or compromise access to products necessary for optimal hypertension control.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The findings highlight the need for further research on the health systems factors that influence management and control of hypertension in the region.</p></div

Search Strategy.

<p>Search Strategy.</p

Summary of Literature Reviewed.

<p>Summary of Literature Reviewed.</p

A community programme to reduce salt intake and blood pressure in Ghana ISRCTN88789643-2

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "A community programme to reduce salt intake and blood pressure in Ghana [ISRCTN88789643]"</p><p>BMC Public Health 2006;6():13-13.</p><p>Published online 24 Jan 2006</p><p>PMCID:PMC1382202.</p><p>Copyright © 2006 Cappuccio et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.</p

Ogedegbe et al. 2014 data tables

Ogedegbe et al. 2014 data table

Antihypertensive drug classes and combinations according to BP control status.

<p>Antihypertensive drug classes and combinations according to BP control status.</p

Factors associated with suboptimal blood pressure among Ghanaians.

<p>Factors associated with suboptimal blood pressure among Ghanaians.</p

Knowledge, attitudes & practices of patients on hypertension according to BP control status.

<p>Knowledge, attitudes & practices of patients on hypertension according to BP control status.</p

Comparison of characteristics of study participants according to blood pressure control status.

<p>Comparison of characteristics of study participants according to blood pressure control status.</p

Clinical Data

Clinical Dat