Arterial hypertension management from primary care services

The aim of this study was to validate a Primary Health Care model for hypertensive patients in two health centers of the city of Cuenca; in order to identify risk factors, implement an educational intervention program, assess adherence to treatment and the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) related to hypertension. We performed a prospective, analytical study with a quasi-experimental design. The sampling method was cluster sampling; included 100 patients in the intervention group and 219 in the control group. The intervention was implemented over 12 months and involved educational activities, group clinical consultation and clinical guidelines. The mean age was 66,73 years for the intervention group and 69,26 years for the control group, with female predominance in both groups (75% and 71,7%) respectively. Studied risk factors that showed statistical significance were age, schooling and adherence to treatment. We achieved lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 13,26 and 2,19 mmHg respectively. The prevalence of risk factors (snuff, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle) showed a statistically significant decrease. Also, adherence (p = 0,001) and the degree of KAP (p = 0,059) were increased. We conclude that the intervention was effective in reducing the levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, decreasing risk factors, increasing adherence to treatment and the degree of KAP.