FROM SCREENING TO SEEKING CARE - REMOVING OBSTACLES IN HYPERTENSION CONTROL

Entry into the medical care system of patients screened for hypertension is a major problem faced by a control program. In a sequential screening project at a work site, 54 persons found to have mild to moderate hypertension were followed after initial medical referral. Using a pre-/post-test design, half received specially prepared health education materials and a follow-up visit to discuss these materials. Dependent measures included increased knowledge of hypertension and the making and keeping of medical appointments. At the end of 3 months, 56% of the experimental group, as compared with 26% of the control group, had received medical follow-up. Post-test knowledge scores were also significantly higher for those receiving the educational materials. The results are compared with those of other screening programs. © 1979.