Work

Hypertension screening in adults attending family health centers: prevalence and awareness in those with and without a prior hypertension diagnosis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of hypertension among adults with and without a prior hypertension diagnosis. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The study included adults who presented to the Family Health Centers (FHCs) and was completed with 1,360 participants. Data were collected with a sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics form, a blood pressure measurement and hypertension awareness form, and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form. Blood pressure measurements were performed in accordance with the guidelines. If the measured blood pressure was in the hypertensive range, the participant was invited for a follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age was 57.5 ± 13.6 years; 61.5% were women. Percent 44.6 of the participants had diagnosed hypertension. Among those with hypertension, 93.7% were taking antihypertensive medication. Approximately half of the participants perceived their blood pressure as lower. High blood pressure was observed with and without diagnosis of hypertension, respectively, 41.5% and 21.5%. These participants were invited for a follow-up blood pressure measurement, and 46.6% returned for the follow-up. At follow-up, a decrease in blood pressure was observed in 80.8% of those with a diagnosis of hypertension and in 57.0% of those without a diagnosis of hypertension, and medication adherence improved. Additionally, at follow-up, 9.8% received a new diagnosis of hypertension and 17.0% were modified their antihypertensive treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up and counselling-based interventions implemented in FHCs are effective in improving blood pressure control and increasing treatment adherence. There is a clear need for FHC-based screening and awareness programs, as well as longer-term interventions and follow-up studies.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-27410-4

Authors: Habibe Ozcelik, Ayşe Dağıstan Akgöz, Sebahat Gozum

Institution: Akdeniz University

Language: English

Topic: Blood Pressure and Hypertension Studies

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290