Efecto de una intervencion educativa en la calidad de vida del paciente hipertenso

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the effect of an educational program on the quality of life of the hypertense patient. Material and methods. A randomized clinical trial was performed on 150 adult hypertense patients who were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group received a short educational program on hypertension and the effects on the patients life style, specifically concerning their control of the disease. The control group did not receive the educational program. Quality of life of both groups was determined by an analogous visual scale, before and 6 months after the educational program. Data were analyzed by the paired t- and Wilcoxon tests. Results. The degree of improvement with respect to physical strength and emotional condition differed between groups (p<0.05). In the areas of thought capacity, social participation, perceived quality of life and sexual function only the experimental group showed changes (p<0.05). Conclusions. An educational program is effective to modify the quality of life of the hypertense patient.