The effect of house visits on hypertension control in the elderly: A study from Bursa, Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of house visits on hypertension control in the elderly.Materials and Method: In Bursa, the Nilufer Public Health Training and Research Area conducts a follow-up program for the elderly. Nurses and midwives visit people over 65 years of age every six months, which is a new practice in Turkey. During these visits, they measure blood pressure and ask questions about their patients' health conditions. If the patients' blood pressure is high then they are referred to a physician. In that case, the patients are also re-visited by the nurse or midwife the following month to check whether they consulted a physician and to observe the current condition of the patients' health. Follow-up cards of elderly patients were analysed. People who were visited regularly every six months and who had four blood pressure measurements (1063 women and 713 men) were included.Results: The prevalence of women with normal blood pressure (normal, prehypertension or controlled) was 34.5% at the first visit and it increased to 46.4% at the fourth visit (p < 0.05). For men, the corresponding percentages were 41.4% and 54.4%, respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusion: In this study, there was a positive effect of house visits by public health nurses and midwives on hypertension management in the elderly.