Urban-Rural Differences in the Management of Arterial Hypertension in Primary Health Care: An Observational Study in the Health Centers of Vlora

Hypertension is the main preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality worldwide. Factors such as access to health services, medical follow-up and health education directly affect the long-term management of HTA. The aim of the study is to assess the situation and management of HTA in the population of the Vlora district. The study is observational and is based on the analysis of data on patients with chronic diseases reported in 17 health centers of the Vlora district, including the control of blood pressure values from the population. The Chi-square test was used to assess statistical differences between groups. The data resulted in 32,334 chronic patients, of whom 15,003 were diagnosed with HTA.

From the data analysis, it is seen that the prevalence of HTA is similar in both urban and rural areas, but its management is significantly better in urban areas (58%) compared to rural areas (41.1%), with statistically significant differences where the probability of the Chi-square distribution is p=0.0000, (p<0.05). Arterial hypertension accounts for almost half of all chronic diseases, affecting both urban and rural populations equally, but its management varies significantly. Inequalities in access, service quality and human resources create major differences in disease control. Management of HTA is significantly better in urban areas than in rural areas. Improving HTA monitoring requires systemic interventions focused on rural areas, increasing staff, strengthening nursing, addressing the health personnel crisis and improving the functioning of low-performing centers, to reduce health inequalities. 

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