papers

Relationship among the degree of control of arterial hypertension, comorbidity and costs in individuals over age 30 during 2006

Rev Esp Salud Publica 82:315-322. Published in Spanish.

Dirección de Planificación, Badalona Serveis Assistencials SA, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is one of the main reasons for primary care consultations. This study is aimed at determining the relationship among the degree to which arterial hypertension is controlled, comorbidity and the direct costs in primary care.

METHODS: Retrospective, multi-centre design. Subjects over 30 years of age pertaining to five primary care teams (2006) were included. Criteria: good control (140/90 and 130/80 mmH in diabetics and those with cardiovascular disease [CVD]. Main general measurements, CVD, Charlson index, casuistic/comorbidity (Adjused Clinical Groups), clinical parameters and direct costs (fixed/semifixed and variable costs) [medications, tests and referrals]) Logic regression and ANCOVA for correcting the model, p<0.05.

RESULTS: The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 26.5% (mean age: 67.1 years; males: 43.5%). Good control totalled 52.0% (CI: 51.2-52.8%). Poor control was independently related to diabetes (Odds Ratio=3.8), CVD (Odds Ratio=2.2) and males (Odds Ratio=1.2), p

CONCLUSIONS: Those individuals whose arterial hypertension was poorly controlled displayed a greater burden of morbidity and a similar healthcare cost in comparison to those under good control.

PMID: 18711645