Background Education of hypertensive patients on consequences of hypertension (HTN) and benefits of antihypertensive therapy has been reported to be an important factor in the management of HTN. We developed, therefore, a planned patient's education program and evaluated its effectiveness. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of educational intervention on patients' knowledge and the control of HTN.
Methods The group of 42 outpatient hypertensives (mean age 62.2 years) was included into the study. Initial assessment was based on patients interview including test of knowledge about HTN; blood pressure (BP) and weight measurements, and review of patients' medical record to obtain data about the antihypertenlive medications. Subsequently, the programme consisting of three 1,5-2 hour small group sessions with a one week interval in between was implemented. The content of the programme covered information about reasons, risks factors for HTN, consequences of HTN, pharmacologicall treatment and life-style. Finally, the follow-up assessment was performed after 3 months by means of the methods used during the initial assessment.
Results The findings from 22 patients who completed all sessions and took part in the follow-up assessment indicated significant improvement in knowledge about HTN (totall score in the knowledge test: 19.6 vs 23.45; p < 0.01), and decrease of BP (159.4/90.95 mmHg before vs 153.2/90.0 mmHg after education) with additional decrease in number of antihypertensive medicines (mean 2.32 vs 1,91 /per person). There was an increase in 21 patients' knowledge about HTN. Despite the decrease in antihypertensive medications in 6 patients (27.3%) the percentage of patients with systolic BP below 160 mmHg increased from 59.1% to 77.7%.
Conclusions The planned educational program for hypertensive patients has been successful in significantly improving knowledge about hypertension and health related behaviours in majority of the hypertensives. Furthermore, it led to decrease of BP, better weight control and reduction in medication needs in some cases.