Comparison of Effects of Interactive Health Education and Self-Reading Learning on Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Patients: A Non-Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Context/Background: Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity worldwide and in India. Educational interventions can create opportunities for patients to better understand their conditions and the role of therapies, as well as heighten awareness about disease progression and complications. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive health education program in comparison with self-reading learning on blood pressure control. Methodology: This study was a non-randomised controlled trial, involving 66 hypertensive patients from the eight villages in Kamjong district, Manipur. Participants were allocated to one of the two groups; intervention group (interactive health education) and control group (self-reading learning). Changes in blood pressure, Hypertension-related knowledge, attitude, lifestyle, adherence to medications and anthropometric parameters at three months post intervention from baseline were measured. Data was analysed using SPSS for Windows (Version 26.0). Results: Three months post intervention, intervention group had more knowledge and adherence and better attitude as compared to the control. There was no significant change in the proportion of participants with controlled blood pressure in both the groups. Changes in lifestyle and anthropometric parameters were not significant. Conclusions: Interactive health education is effective in terms of improvement in knowledge about hypertension, adherence to medication and attitude towards hypertension. A longer follow up might be needed to see changes in blood pressure control.