The Challenges of Implementing a Text Message Intervention to Promote Behavioral Change in Primary Care Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes

Abstract Background Controlling blood pressure and glycemic levels is a challenge that requires innovative solutions. Objective To assess the feasibility of implementing a text message intervention among low-income primary care patients, as well as to assess self-reported behavioral change. Methods A set of 200 text messages was developed on healthy eating, physical activity, adherence, and motivation. Participants from Vale do Mucuri, MG, Brazil diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension or undergoing screening for those diseases, received 5 to 8 messages per week for 6 months. They answered a questionnaire to report their satisfaction and behavioral changes. Results Of the 136 patients, 117 (86.0%) answered the questionnaire. Most reported that the messages were very useful (86.3%), easy to understand (90.6%), and were very helpful for behavioral change (65.0%); 84.6% reported that they had started eating healthier. The most frequent reported lifestyle changes were: improved diet quality (85.5%), reduced portions (65.8%), and weight loss (56.4%). The majority of patients shared the messages (60.7%) with family or other acquaintances, considered the number of messages to be adequate (89.7%) and would recommend the program to others (95.7%). Conclusion An intervention based on text messages to promote behavioral change in patients with hypertension or diabetes in primary care is feasible in low-resource settings. Future studies are needed to assess the program's long-term effects on clinical outcomes.

Prevalence of Systemic Arterial Hypertension and Associated Factors Among Adults from the Semi-Arid Region of Pernambuco, Brazil / Prevalência e Fatores Associados à Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica em Adultos do Sertão de Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract Background: Systemic arterial hypertension is a substantial public health problem responsible for millions of deaths per year worldwide. However, little is known about the epidemiology of this disease in areas distant from large urban centers in Brazil. Such information is necessary to plan health promotion strategies. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and determine its associated factors in adults residing in the semi-arid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with a random sample of male and female adults. Individuals with systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm/Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm/Hg and those who reported being under treatment with antihypertensive drugs were considered hypertensive. We collected data on demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and anthropometric characteristics, as well as health and nutrition. The statistical analysis used Pearson's chi-square test, the chi-square test for trend, and multivariate Poisson regression analysis. A p-value < 0.05 in the final model was considered indicative of statistical significance. Results: The sample consisted of 416 individuals, and the prevalence of hypertension was 27.4% (95%CI 23.2 - 32.0). In the final model, the independent predictors of hypertension were age of 40 years or older (p = 0.000), low economic class (p = 0.007), smoking (p = 0.023), overweight determined by the body mass index (p = 0.003), and reduced glucose tolerance/diabetes mellitus (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was high and related to important risk factors. Thus, prevention and control strategies are recommended.

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) constitui grande problema de saúde pública, responsável por milhões de mortes por ano no mundo. Apesar disso e frente à necessidade de informações para o delineamento de estratégias de promoção da saúde, pouco se conhece sobre a epidemiologia da doença em regiões distantes dos grandes centros urbanos brasileiros. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência e verificar os aspectos associados à HAS em adultos do sertão de Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo de delineamento transversal, com uma amostra aleatória de adultos de ambos os sexos. Foram considerados hipertensos aqueles que apresentaram pressão arterial sistólica ≥ 140 mmHg e/ou diastólica ≥ 90 mmHg, além daqueles que relataram estar em tratamento com anti-hipertensivos. Informações demográficas, socioeconômicas, comportamentais, antropométricas e de saúde e nutrição foram coletadas. Foram aplicados os testes do 2 de Pearson, c2 para tendência e a regressão multivariada de Poisson. No modelo final, foi considerada significância estatística quando p < 0,05. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 416 indivíduos e a prevalência de HAS foi de 27,4% (IC95% 23,2 - 32,0). No modelo final, foram identificados como preditores independentes da HAS a faixa etária a partir dos 40 anos (p = 0,000), classe econômica baixa (p = 0,007), tabagismo (p = 0,023), excesso de peso pelo índice de massa corporal (p = 0,003) e adultos com tolerância à glicose diminuída/diabetes mellitus (p = 0,012). Conclusão: A prevalência de HAS é elevada e se relaciona com fatores de risco importantes, logo, são recomendáveis ações de prevenção e controle.

Hypertension Prevalence, Treatment and Control in Older Adults in a Brazilian Capital City / Prevalência, Tratamento e Controle da Hipertensão Arterial em Idosos de uma Capital Brasileira

Abstract Background: The diagnosis, treatment and control of arterial hypertension are fundamental for a reduction in cardiovascular outcomes, especially in the elderly. In Brazil, there are few studies that specifically identified these rates in the elderly population. Objective: To verify rates of prevalence, treatment and control of hypertension in elderly people living in the urban area of a Brazilian capital city. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based, randomized, cluster-based study with 912 non-institutionalized elderly individuals (≥ 60 years), living in urban areas in the city of Goiania, Midwest Brazil. Predictor variables were: age, gender, socioeconomic and lifestyle aspects. Blood pressure measurements were performed at home; patients were considered as having arterial hypertension when SBP and/or DBP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or when using antihypertensive drugs (dependent variable). Rates of hypertension treatment and control were evaluated. Variable association analyses were performed by multivariate logistic regression and level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 74.9%, being higher (78.6%) in men (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.04-1.92); the treatment rate was 72.6%, with higher rates being observed in smokers (OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.28-3.33). The rate of hypertension control was 50.8%,being higher in women (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.19-2.08). Conclusion: The prevalence rates were high. Treatment and control rates were low and associated with gender, age and lifestyle, indicating the need for early and individual interventions.

Resumo Fundamento: O diagnóstico, tratamento e controle da hipertensão arterial são fundamentais para a redução de eventos cardiovasculares, especialmente em idosos. No Brasil são escassos os estudos que identificaram essas taxas especificamente na população idosa. Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência, taxas de tratamento e controle da hipertensão arterial entre idosos da zona urbana de uma capital brasileira. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostragem aleatória por conglomerado, realizado com 912 idosos (maiores de 60 anos), residentes na zona urbana de Goiânia. Variáveis preditoras: idade, sexo, aspectos socioeconômicos e estilo de vida. Medidas da pressão arterial (PA) realizada em domicílio; hipertensão arterial (HA) igual a PA sistólica e/ou diastólica maior ou igual a 140/90mmHg ou usando anti-hipertensivos (variável dependente). Foram avaliadas taxas de tratamento e controle de HA. Análise de associação dos desfechos com regressão logística multivariada e nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Prevalência de hipertensão arterial total foi de 74,9%, sendo maior entre os homens 78,6% (OR 1,4; IC95%1,04-1,92); A taxa de tratamento foi de 72,6%, com taxas superiores entre os fumantes (OR 2,06; IC 95% 1,28-3,33). A taxa de controle total foi de 50,8%, maior entre as mulheres (OR 1,57; IC 95% 1,19- 2,08). Conclusões: As taxas de prevalência foram elevadas. Taxas de tratamento e controle foram baixas e mostraram associação com sexo, faixa etária e estilo de vida, indicando necessidade de intervenções precoces e individuais.

Cross-cultural adaptation of Hypertension Knowledge Test into European Portuguese

ABSTRACT We aim to validate a European-Portuguese version of the Hypertension Knowledge Test (HKT) questionnaire and examine its factorial structure with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A process of translation and back-translation was performed. A cross-sectional study was developed in which all adult patients taking at least one antihypertensive drug were invited to participate. Data on personal and family history were collected, and the HKT, Strelec, and the Batalla questionnaires were administered. We enrolled 304 patients with a mean age of 68.12±10.83 years. The mean score of HKT was 15.33±2.79. CFA indicated that the construct being tested was unidimensional, and Cronbach's alpha (α=0.65) showed that the instrument had an acceptable internal consistency. When evaluating concurrent validity, HKT was significantly correlated with the Batalla and Strelec scores. Thus, the Portuguese version of HKT (HKT-pt-PT) can be used either in research or in clinical practice. With this version, a potential standard exists to evaluate knowledge about hypertension, which could avoid the practice of using non-validated questionnaires in Portugal and allow the cross-sectional and longitudinal comparability of studies.