The burden of hypertension in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa: A 6-year perspective

CONCLUSIONS: Screening, diagnosis, treatment initiation and chronic management of HPT occur mainly at rural clinic level. The SA government needs to heed these findings and redirect resources (staffing and equipment) to this level. The prevalence of obesity was highest at rural healthcare facilities (clinics more than hospitals). More needs to be done to combat the obesity pandemic if we are to win the battle against NCDs (HPT and diabetes mellitus). A significant number of patients aged <40 years are being screened for HPT, which bodes well for the province, as early diagnosis and treatment of HPT are vital to prevent complications.PMID:33944727 | DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2021.v111i2.15056
Source: South African Medical Journal - Category: African Health Authors: Source Type: research