The association of anthropometric indices and resistant hypertension among type 2 diabetes: a case study of patients attending Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Resistant hypertension has been identified as common among type 2 diabetics. Importantly, diabetes prevalence has been increasing in the recent past indicating a future rise in the frequency of resistant hypertension. This study determined the association of anthropometric indices as determinants of resistant hypertension compared to conventional hypertension among type 2 diabetes patients attending Kisii teaching and referral hospital (KTRH). A descriptive study design was used where 96 adult cases with type 2 diabetes were consecutively selected into the study, of which 48 had conventional hypertension and the other 48 participants had resistant hypertension for the last one year. Statistical analysis involved Pearson's Chi-Square test analysed categorical variables while binary logistic regression and odds ratio was used to determine the relationship and association of the study variables. The study results indicated that there is an association between Body Mass Index (BMI) (P=0.014) and resistant hypertension among type 2 diabetes patients attending KTRH. However, the Waist-Hip ratio (P=0.393) was not associated with resistant hypertension among type 2 diabetes patients attending Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. These results expanded the understanding of risk factors of resistant hypertension among type 2 diabetics. Therefore, this study recommends comprehensive health promotion programs to encourage and promote lifestyle modification.