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

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of hypertension among adults with and without a prior hypertension diagnosis. 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. 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. 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.