Regional patterns and treatment-seeking behaviours for hypertension in Lesotho: Analysis of Lesotho Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) 2023 data

Attributed to poverty and resource constraint situations, the population in low- and middle-income sub-Saharan countries like Lesotho is at high risk of preventable non-communicable diseases such as hypertension. Literature showed a high burden of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa. However, no study assessed the burden of hypertension and the situation of treatment-seeking among the household population of Lesotho. ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the regional patterns of hypertension and treatment-seeking among the household population of Lesotho. MethodsWe analysed recently released Lesotho DHS 2023 data and presented district- and ecological zone-wise prevalence of hypertension and treatment-seeking among the Lesotho household population. ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension among the household population was 1.5% (95% CI 1.40-1.66). Prevalence was highest in Maseru district (2.4%; 95% CI 1.90-2.90) and lowest in Thaba-Tseka district (0.6%; 95% CI 0.37-0.86). The treatment-seeking among diagnosed individuals in Lesotho was 66.8% (60.21-74). Thaba-Tseka district (50%) and capital city Maseru (51%) had the lowest number of patients who took treatment for hypertension. Conclusions and RecommendationsThe prevalence of hypertension is high among the Lesotho household population. Further, despite treatment being provided free of charge, every one out of three patients dont take antihypertensive treatment. Despite high prevalence, the treatment-seeking is lowest in the capital city, Maseru. Priority attention should be given to districts such as Maseru, Mafeteng, Quthing, Qachas Nek, and Thaba-Tseka, where treatment-seeking is low. This highlights the need for revising the existing healthcare delivery mechanism and prioritising community needs in health policy. Community-based interventions promoting healthy lifestyles and periodic monitoring were recommended.