Effect of Therapeutic Group Education on Adherence and Blood Pressure Control among Uncontrolled Hypertensive Patients in Sub Saharan Africa

Abstract

Objectives: 1.Evaluate the evolutionary profile of blood pressure before and after intervention. 2.Determine the level of observance before and after intervention. 3.Compare the level of knowledge and practices before and after intervention. Methods: We carried out a non-randomized control trial from October 2016 to June 2017 at the outpatient cardiology clinic of the Yaoundé Central Hospital, in Cameroon. We included adults with essential, uncontrolled hypertension. Every week during three months, educative sessions added to daily phone calls and text messages were done. Blood pressure, drug compliance, knowledge regarding hypertension, level of physical activity were evaluated at baseline and after intervention. The student test was used to compare data before and after intervention. A p value < 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: Overall, 17 participants with a mean age of 56.24 ± 8.14 years and an average duration of hypertension of 11.17 ± 9 years completed the intervention. SBP decreased by 30mmHg, DBP dropped by 11mmHg. Level of knowledge increased by 36.47%, adherence to treatment by 88.24% and drug compliance by 81.44%. Energy expenditure related to physical activity increased in 100% of participants with a mean improvement of 625.41 MET. All patients were satisfied. Conclusion: Therapeutic group education increased adherence to treatment and BP control amongst uncontrolled hypertensive patients in sub Saharan Africa.