[Trial of the efficacy of health education programs on therapeutic compliance in arterial hypertension]

Abstract

Objective: To analyse by means of a group session and postal support the efficacy of health education (HE) on compliance with therapy for light-to-moderate essential Hypertension.

Design: Controlled clinical trial with randomised distribution.

Setting: Primary Care.

Patients: 110 hypertense patients with new or uncontrolled Hypertension, for whom treatment with Trandolapril as a start or change of medication was indicated.

Interventions: The patients were split into two groups at random, with observation for six months after inclusion in the study and monthly attendance: 1) Control group (CG) of 55 patients who received HE from their family doctor; 2) Intervention group (IG) of 55 patients controlled.

Measurements and results: Patients were defined as compliant if their consumption was 80-110% of what was prescribed. The counting of pills was recorded. Percentages of compliant patients and mean compliance were analysed with the Chi squared and Student's t tests. 109 people completed, 77 of them women. Neither group differed as to age, sex, length of evolution, number of diseases or doses of drugs consumed.

Conclusions: Intervening in HE with a group session and postal follow-up is an efficacious measure to improve therapeutic compliance in Hypertension cases.