A Randomized Controlled Trial Study on Hypertension Reduction Based on Disease Control Priorities to Manage High Blood Pressure

Abstract

\n BackgroundOne of the global targets for non-communicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25% by year 2025. In Pakistan, prevalence of hypertension is reported to be 24.9% among males and in females the prevalence is 24.7%. The purpose of this study was to test the deliverability of a multicomponent based intervention for reduction of high blood pressure to recommended 140/90 mm of Hg and to test its effectiveness in control of hypertension among hypertensive patients.MethodsUsing a randomized controlled trial, double blinded study design, the intervention was pilot-tested for its appropriateness for implementation in hospital. The intervention was given to hypertensive patients in the intervention group. A total of 240 participants were screened and recruited into the trial after obtaining an informed consent. An ethical approval was sought from Health Services Academy. Data was collected from December 2019 to March 2020. All the data was entered and analyzed uing SPSS version 21.ResultsImplementation of a multi-component intervention to test DCP3 based strategies for management and control of hypertension in a hospital setting during three months yielded – 23.9 mm Hg of systolic blood pressure reduction (95% confidence interval, p\u2009≤\u20090.005). A significant reduction in the blood pressure to recommended target in intervention group was achieved in 6th, 8th and 12th week. As compared to patients in usual care group, improved health outcomes were achieved for diet control, reduction in salt intake and an increased physical exercise among hypertensive patients. Regular follow up and strict adherence to prescribed medicines was observed in both groups.ConclusionStudy findings concluded that the multicomponent intervention particlulary use of low salt and lifestyle modifications is effective in hypertension reduction. Involving family members of the patient was an essential component of non-pharmacologocal treatment which was found to be beneficial for management and control of hypertension.Trial registration: The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov number NCT04336631 dated April 07, 2020.