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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the hypertension control rate and its associated factors among treated patients attending a teaching primary healthcare centre in Jordan.Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 286 patients with HTN, treated with medications, who attended Jordan University of Science and Technology primary healthcare centre in Irbid, Jordan, from July through September 2018. Data were abstracted from the patient's medical records and personal interviews. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine independent factors associated with hypertension control.Results: Blood pressure control rate was 90.9% and was significantly higher among patients who were married (p=0.02), with higher income level (p<0.01), non-smokers (p=0.01), free of diabetes mellitus or dyslipidaemia (p=0.048), highly consuming fruits and vegetables (p<0.01), non-obese (p<0.01), adherent to blood pressure medications (p=0.02) and among patients on lower number of antihypertensive medications (p=0.01). Multivariate analysis with adjusted OR of factors associated with hypertension control were higher fruit and vegetable intake (p<0.01), higher income level (p=0.02) and medication adherence (p<0.01).Conclusion: Participants in this study achieved a relatively high rate of blood pressure control. Associated factors with this rate were higher fruit and vegetable intake, higher income level and medication adherence. For better hypertension control, patients should be advised to adhere to their medications and consume more fruits and vegetables besides other lifestyle changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate therapeutic outcomes in patients treated for iron deficiency anaemia and to analyse potential factors relevant to therapy success or failure. Methods Adult iron deficiency anaemia patients attending a primary care centre and prescribed at least 80 mg elemental iron per day were enrolled and followed up after duration of at least 5-8 weeks. Factors relevant to therapy success or failure were investigated. Results One hundred and seven patients were interviewed and 65 patients provided blood samples at follow-up. Thirty-seven patients (56.9%) were found refractory to iron therapy. More than half of patients reported having iron-related side effects (56.9%). Almost half of patients (47.7%) stated that they stopped iron therapy sometime during their follow-up period. Thirty patients (46.2%) stated that pharmacist educated them about iron therapy indication and usage and three patients (4.6%) stated that pharmacist educated them about drug -drug and drug -food interactions. Conclusion Response to iron therapy was suboptimal. There was no correlation between response to iron therapy and other studied factors such as gastrointestinal side effects, menstrual cycle history, past medical history of peptic ulcer, celiac disease or level of iron therapy education provided to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-term aspirin therapy is crucial for patients with increased risk of occlusive vascular diseases. However, inconsistencies in the methods for risk assessment and the perception among health care providers are major contributing factors for challenges in risk assessment. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to a total of 124 family physicians working at two university teaching centers and Ministry of Health primary health care centers in Jordan. Results: A majority of the physicians reported prescribing aspirin for patients if they have peripheral vascular disease (93%), post-coronary artery bypass graft (92%), stroke (90%), or stable angina (95%). A smaller percentage of physicians reported that they prescribe aspirin if patients have atrial fibrillation (81%) or acute myocardial infarction (85%). The percentage of physicians who prescribe aspirin markedly declined when patients have potential bleeding disorder (52%) or asthma (52%). For patients without cardiovascular diseases but with one or more risk factors, the prophylactic use of aspirin was reported by 85% to 95% of family physicians. Conclusions: The presence of co-morbidity along with vascular diseases tended to hinder physicians from prescribing aspirin even when it is indicated. A majority of family physicians recommends the use of aspirin in primary prevention in spite of its questionable or even negative benefits. Furthermore, self-reported aspirin prescribing rates among physicians in Jordan are higher than those reported by physicians in the U.S. and Europe. Therefore, we believe that proper dissemination of updated evidence-based treatment guidelines is required to ensure appropriate and efficient preventive services for cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]