The Effects of Poor Self-Care Behaviors on Uncontrolled Hypertension in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and aims: Hypertension affects nearly one in five adults in Ethiopia. Effective self-care behaviors, including medication adherence, regular physical activity, healthy dietary practices, weight management, moderation of alcohol intake, and avoidance of tobacco, are essential for optimal blood pressure (BP) control. Although individual studies have examined these behaviors, their combined contribution to uncontrolled hypertension in Ethiopia has not been comprehensively synthesized. This study aimed to evaluate the pooled effects of inadequate self-care behaviors on uncontrolled BP among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia.