Work

Investigating novel lifestyle interventions for early-stage hypertension management

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Hypertension is rising rapidly in Uzbekistan, yet no evidence‑based lifestyle intervention has been tailored to the local culture. We conducted a randomised controlled trial in Tashkent and two rural districts between February and November 2025 to test a novel, culturally adapted lifestyle programme for adults with early‑stage hypertension (systolic blood pressure 130‑139 mmHg or diastolic 85‑89 mmHg, no medication). One hundred eighty‑four participants were randomly assigned to a six‑month intervention (dietary salt reduction using a marked spoon and local spices, increased walking with step‑counters, stress and sleep management, and daily Telegram support) or standard advice. The primary outcome was change in systolic blood pressure. At six months, the intervention group achieved a mean reduction of 6.8 mmHg compared to 1.2 mmHg in the control group (adjusted difference –5.6 mmHg, 95% CI –6.2 to –5.0, p<0.001). Normalisation of blood pressure occurred in 64.1% of intervention participants versus 18.5% of controls (number needed to treat 2.2). Improvements were also seen in daily salt intake (–2.6 g), walking frequency (+2.5 days/week), sleep duration (+0.7 hours), and perceived stress (–2.4 points). Adherence was good (84% attended most group sessions), and no serious adverse events occurred. The programme worked similarly across urban and rural settings, sexes, and age groups. A culturally adapted, low‑cost lifestyle intervention can substantially lower blood pressure and help most people with early‑stage hypertension avoid or delay medication. These findings have immediate implications for cardiovascular prevention in Uzbekistan and similar low‑resource settings.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20965555

Authors: Bahtigul Azimova, Dilobar Gulammakhmudova, Lutfiyeva Umeda, Farrux Karimjonov, Ikbolxon Klicheva, Kibriyev Bekhruz, Ravshan Tursunov, Gulandom G'oziyeva, Feruza Safarova

Institutions: Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute, Tashkent State Medical University, Samarkand State Medical Institute, Andijan State Medical Institute, Termez University of Economics and Service, Bukhara State Medical Institute named after Abu Ali ibn Sino, Bukhara State 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: green

OpenAlex ID: W7166301876

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