Assessing the impact of educational intervention in patients with hypertension.

BACKGROUND

It is accepted that patient education can be beneficial in the treatment of chronic diseases. We conducted an educational intervention (EI) in hypertensive patients seen at Primary Care centres (PCC) and specialised Hypertension Units (SHU).

OBJECTIVES

To assess patient's knowledge of hypertension and to verify the impact of this educational initiative.

METHODS

A multicentre quasi-experimental study with the participation of 120 patients with hypertension. EI consisted of oral and written information which included the definition of hypertension, causes, cardiovascular risk factors and means of control. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patient's knowledge before and after EI.

RESULTS

Sixty-two (52%) patients were from PCC and 58 (48%) from SHU (mean age: 61 ± 13.3 years, 59% were women). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between patients attending at PCC and SHU. The definition of hypertension (blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or ≥90 mmHg was known by 48% and 99% of the participants before and after EI, respectively (p < 0.001). Poor baseline knowledge about the risks of hypertension was related to kidneys (54%) and eyes (58%). After EI this knowledge increased to 100% (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). A significant improvement in knowledge about medication was observed (51% before and 87% after EI; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a positive impact of EI to improve patients' knowledge about hypertension. However, further studies are needed to assess if EI produces behaviour changes in the long term, as this might enhance optimal blood pressure control to prevent kidney disease or delay its progression.