Determinants of Adherence to Recommendations of the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension in Adults with Hypertension Treated in a Hospital in Benin

Abstract The dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) is an effective nutritional strategy to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Optimal benefit from dietary recommendations in management of hypertension depends on the compliance. This analytic cross sectional study aimed at establishing determinants of DASH among adults with hypertension treated at hospital in Benin. The study included 150 hypertensive adults selected during medical visit for blood pressure monitoring at hospital Saint-Luc in Cotonou from June 3 rd to July 1 st , 2014. Data on consumption of sodium, fruits and vegetables, alcohol, saturated and trans fat rich products were collected by questionnaire. A score of adherence to DASH was built. Determinants of adherence to DASH were identified using logistic regression model. Only 20% of subjects showed adherence to DASH. Better knowledge on hypertension OR=5.18 (95%IC 1.98-13.22) and healthy dietary habits and lifestyle prior to diagnosis of hypertension OR=4.26 (95%IC 1.67-13.18) increased the likelihood of adherence to dietary recommendations for hypertension management. Nutrition education and information of patients on hypertension and its complications during medical consultations may increase their adherence to dietary recommendations for management of the disease