Factors Associated With Not Having a Healthcare Visit in the Past Year Among US Adults With Hypertension: Data From NHANES 2013–2018. (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akinyelure, Oluwasegun P; Hubbard, Demetria; Sakhuja, Swati; Hardy, Shakia T; Oparil, Suzanne; Cherrington, Andrea L; Reynolds, Kristi; Wozniak, Gregory; Muntner, Paul
• Is Part Of: American journal of hypertension. Volume 35:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 132
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: blood pressure -- blood pressure control -- doctor's visit -- healthcare utilization -- healthcare visit -- hypertension; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpab153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-7061

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Not having a healthcare visit in the past year has been associated with a higher likelihood of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) among individuals with hypertension. Methods: We examined factors associated with not having a healthcare visit in the past year among US adults with hypertension using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2018 ( n = 5, 985). Hypertension was defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic BP (DBP) ≥90 mm Hg, or antihypertensive medication use. Having a healthcare visit in the past year was self-reported. Results: Overall, 7.0% of US adults with hypertension reported not having a healthcare visit in the past year. Those without vs. with a healthcare visit in the past year were less likely to be aware they had hypertension (45.0% vs. 83.9%), to be taking antihypertensive medication (36.7% vs. 91.4%, among those who were aware they had hypertension), and to have controlled BP (SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg; 9.1% vs. 51.7%). After multivariable adjustment, not having a healthcare visit in the past year was more common among US adults without health insurance (prevalence ratio [PR]: 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68–2.95), without a usual source of healthcare (PR: 5.65; 95% CI 4.16–7.67), who smoked cigarettes (PR: 1.34; 95% CI 1.02–1.77), and with heavy vs. no alcohol consumption (PR: 1.55; 95% CI 1.16–2.08). Also, not having a healthcare visit in the past year was more common among those without diabetes or a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and those not taking a statin. Conclusions: Interventions should be considered to ensure all adults with hypertension have annual healthcare visits. Graphical Abstract: