A hypertension control program in Yu-Chi, Taiwan: preliminary results

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a community approach to hypertension control in both high risk and general populations in an agricultural district with limited medical and community resources. It was conducted in Yu-Chi district of Nan-Tou county in central Taiwan from 1993 to 1994. The study included blood pressure screening, follow-up, health education, village-based campaigns, and program evaluation after 6 months of intervention. Two villages each were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Intervention comprised visits by trained volunteers to measure blood pressure and body weight, and education related to hypertension. All residents 40 years of age and older were enrolled. A total of 471 residents from the intervention villages and 426 residents from the control villages completed the study. Overall, for the intervention and control groups, the knowledge and behavior related to hypertension improved significantly 6 months after the baseline survey. The improvement was greater in the subgroup of hypertensives in the intervention group than in the controls. The educational intervention also significantly improved the status of awareness, treatment, and the control of hypertension, and reduced blood pressure in the hypertensive subjects. We conclude that a hypertension control program that relies solely on limited community resources is feasible and effective.