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. 2014 Oct;4(5):357-64.
doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-3652.2014.08.08.

Approach to hypertension among primary care physicians in the West Region of Cameroon: substantial room for improvement

Jean Jacques N Noubiap  1 , Ahmadou M Jingi  1 , Sandra Wandji Veigne  1 , Arnold Ewane Onana  1 , Edvine Wawo Yonta  1 , Samuel Kingue  1
Affiliations

Approach to hypertension among primary care physicians in the West Region of Cameroon: substantial room for improvement

Jean Jacques N Noubiap et al. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2014 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and approach of primary care physician (PCP) towards the management of hypertension in Cameroon.

Methods: In 2012 we surveyed 77 PCPs among the 111 working in the West region of Cameroon. We used a standardized questionnaire assessing practices regarding the detection, evaluation and treatment of hypertension, and source of information about updates on hypertension.

Results: Participants had a mean duration of practice of 10.1 (SD 7.6) years, and received an average of 10.5 (SD 5.8) patients daily. Most of the PCPs (80.5%, n=62) measured blood pressure (BP) for all adult patients in consultation, however, only 63.6% (n=49) used correct BP thresholds to diagnose hypertension. Sixty-seven PCPs (87.0%) ordered a minimal work-up for each newly diagnosed hypertensive patient, but only the work-up offered by 8 (10.4%) PCPs was adequate. Regarding treatment, the most commonly prescribed medications as monotherapy were loop diuretics (49.3%). Bitherapy mostly included the combination of a diuretic with other drug classes. Most of PCPs used incorrect target BP, with a general tendency of using higher target levels. PCPs received updates on hypertension management mostly through drug companies representatives (53.2%, n=41). Up to 97.4% were willing to receive continuing medical training on hypertension.

Conclusions: PCPs' knowledge and management of hypertension is poor in this region of Cameroon. Our data point to a need for continually updating the teaching curricula of medical schools with regard to the management of hypertension, and physicians in the field should receive continuing medical education.

Keywords: Africa; Cameroon; Hypertension; diagnosis; management; primary care physicians (PCPs).

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