The Effectiveness of Hypertensive Management Programs and Social Support in Primary Health Care Systems: Preliminary Study

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study used inclusion criteria obtaining samples aged from high-risk and grade I hypertensive patients aged 35to 59 without hypertensive complications. The two related groups comprised 36 individuals. Both were enrolled in a hypertensive management program comprising health education strategies, respiratory training, advice on limiting salt and fat intake, exercise, group discussion with social support, telephone counseling, and home visits. Three perception and preventive behavior questionnaires and home behavior records collected data according to individual hypertension risk factors. The study was carried out for four months. Descriptive statistics and a paired t-test were used.

Results showed a statistical significance difference with increased total mean scores with the following variances: health status, self-efficacy and decreased barrier perception (p =.000, .008 and.022). There was noticeable improvement in exercise and stress management, but no significant change in overall preventive behavior for hypertension (p >.05). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were lower (p <.001). Waist and hip circumference also decreased (p = .002 and .001).  Blood chemistry showed a statistically significant decrease of finger blood sugar, urea nitrogen and creatinine (p =.000, .00, and .004) and no statistically significant for increase in blood cholesterol (p >.05).

Primary healthcare services should also a strategy developing especially focus socially-supported on mental wellbeing is beneficial for risk and hypertensive group.