The impact of poorly controlled hypertension on ambulatory care resources in Malaysia

• Main Author: Abdul Razak, Tariq
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/10010/1/The_impact_of_poorly_controlled_hypertension.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/10010/; http://www.jcdr.net/article_abstract.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2010&month=December&volume=4&issue=6&page=3371-3377&id=1042

Aim: Since many Malaysians with hypertension have poor control rates of blood pressure, this study wasconducted to determine the impact of uncontrolled hypertension on the utilization of ambulatory care resources. Setting: The study took place at the Jaya Gading Polyclinic in Kuantan city, Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: This was a1year follow-up of 600 hypertensive patients who were classified into groups, based on average blood pressure. The monthly direct and indirect costs and the differences in costs were determined. Main outcome measure: Data analysis using the Mann-Whitney test was performed to compare the direct costswhich were associated with controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure. Results: The direct costs were significantly higher in the uncontrolled blood pressure groups as compared to the controlled blood pressure groups. Medication costs represented the major portion of the total direct costs in both the controlled and the uncontrolled blood pressure groups. Conclusion: Poor control of uncomplicated hypertension is associated with the higher utilization of the ambulatory care resources in Malaysia. Aggressive strategies are needed to control hypertension and to reduce the utilization of the ambulatory care resources. Keywords : Hypertension control, cost, ambulatory care, Malaysia