Quality of patient-centered care for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension: findings from the Mexican e-Cohort

In Mexico, over half of adults with hypertension do not achieve blood pressure control. Although positive patient experiences are linked to improved health outcomes, healthcare quality for patients with uncontrolled hypertension remains understudied. This research evaluates care experiences, perceived healthcare quality, and factors associated with higher-quality patient-centered care in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. The study analyzed cross-sectional baseline data from the non-communicable disease e-Cohort recruited in Mexico from August to November 2025. The study adapted and validated for the Mexican context the questionnaires designed by the Quality Evidence for Health System Transformation network. The study included 1,500 patients aged 40–75 with uncontrolled hypertension enrolled from 18 primary care clinics. The dependent variable was the perceived quality of care score, and the independent variables were the scores for required clinical activities and lifestyle counseling activities. The statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression. The study found that most hypertensive patients were obese or overweight (> 90%), with 45.6% having diabetes and 70% with high cardiovascular risk. They received only 45% of the required clinical activities and 16.7% of lifestyle counseling. The median quality of care score was 24 out of 40. In the adjusted linear regression model, greater delivery of recommended clinical activities (β = 0.08, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.12) and lifestyle counseling (β = 0.03, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.05) were independently associated with higher perceived quality-of-care scores. Patients at higher cardiovascular risk reported poorer perceived quality of care. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension received suboptimal recommended clinical and lifestyle counseling activities, although perceived quality of care was generally favorable. Greater delivery of recommended care activities was associated with more favorable patient evaluation of care quality. Routine assessment of patient-reported experiences may help identify opportunities for quality improvement in hypertension care. Not applicable, as this is analysis of the baseline data of the observational study.