Hypertension has a Solution!

High Prevalence of Uncontrolled Blood Pressure

Community Health Problem #1

Hypertension, angay kontrolon ug taga’ag solusyon!

            Hypertension is the top leading cause of morbidity from 2014 to 2019 in Barangay Motibot. The Rural Health Unit recorded 14 mortalities due to hypertension-related complications. During the community assessment, there were 125 individuals diagnosed as hypertensive and among these, 48 have uncontrolled hypertension. During survey interviews, the problem on hypertension was recognized by the community people as their top problem and this was further supported by ranking first during the prioritization.In Motibot, 61% of the total households surveyed have members who smoke and only 43% exercise regularly.Smoking, high alcohol and sodium intake, and decreased physical activity all contribute to hypertension. Moreover, those who were prescribed with maintenance medications are not consistent in taking their medications due to financial hindrances.

           
 The predisposing factors of uncontrolled hypertension are the limited knowledge about the seriousness of uncontrolled hypertension, the signs and symptoms, particularly the risk factors, cost-of-care and medications, drug side effects, attitudes, and psychological barriers.

            This health plan aims to control the blood pressure of hypertensive individuals within level recommended by the JNC 8 guidelines by the year 2022. These are the following specific objectives:

1.     . Increase knowledge and skills of BHWs and key personnel on the early detection of hypertension and proper referral system.
2.     . Increase knowledge of entire community about hypertension.
3.     . Increase adherence to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions
4.     . Ensure sustainability of the program.

            In order to increase knowledge and skills of BHWs and key personnel, they will be given lectures and trainings. The knowledge of the community members will be fostered through the conduct of lectures and information caravan. There will be capacity building activities for hypertensive patients such as the celebration of Hypertension Awareness Month and launching of “ Sis and Brad Against highbLoodTeam ” (SALT) Peer Group, zumba, and weight loss competitions. To increase adherence to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, the team will establish linkages with the local government unit, rural health unit, and DOH to ensure availability of maintenance medications at the barangay health center. Their adherence to maintenance medications and BP control will be monitored using booklets, establishment of Upper Motibot BP Hut for BP monitoring and dispensing of medicines, and conduct promotional activities for nonpharmacologic management of hypertensionsuch as weekly zumba and cost-effective dietary approaches. Lastly, there should be involvement of key stakeholders in the development of programs in order to ensure sustainability of programs and this will be achieved through formulation of ordinance on the celebration of hypertension awareness month, procurement of the apparatuses, and training of trainers of the barangay.

            Hypertension is a life-style related disease and it can bring a health crisis in the community. The good thing is, it is preventable. Complications brought by this disease can be addressed by consistent monitoring, adherence to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, and changing behavioural and modifiable risk factors.

            Sustainability is the responsibility of everybody. With the strong involvement of each member of the community in the quest to address hypertension and its complications, #NaaySolusyonSaHypertension.

APPLE ROSE CALUD

ADZU-SOM