Outcomes from a community-based hypertension educational programme: the West of Ireland Hypertension study

摘要

Background Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease. Research indicates a growing prevalence of hypertension among adults worldwide, with accompanying low levels of patient knowledge, and sub-optimal clinical management. Aims This study aims to explore the impact of a structured hypertension educational intervention on patient knowledge, lifestyle behaviours and blood pressure control. Design An observational, prospective cohort design was selected. Methods Participants were recruited through a public blood pressure screening event in a community-based setting. They were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire followed by an assessment of their blood pressure. Participants with high blood pressure were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. Those in the intervention group received an educational intervention on hypertension 4?weeks later. Both groups were recalled 4?months later for a repeat of the same initial assessment. Results Eighty-one participants with a mean age of 64?years were included in this study. There were no significant differences in the baseline measures between the two groups. Significant improvements were found in the intervention group compared with the control group in levels of hypertension knowledge and awareness ( p ?=?<0.001), exercise levels ( p ?=?0.002) and weight ( p ?=?0.003). Participants who underwent the intervention showed a greater reduction in both systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (SBP 158.8 to 141.6?mmHg, p ?