An evaluation of hypertension surveillance and coverage of hypertension screening, Buri Ram Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Prevention and control of hypertension (HT) will not be efficient without a good surveillance. Buri Ram Provincial Health Office evaluated the hypertension surveillance system with aims to study screening processes, together with coverage of screening, referral and utilization of the results.
Method: This study was a cross-sectional study. We collected data from official, village health volunteers and population in 30 villages, sampled by cluster sampling method. There were 3 parts: 1) screening processes in population age more than 15 years old. They were target of health promoting hospitals, community hospitals and general hospitals; 2) coverage of screening; and 3) coverage of referred suspected HT cases.
Result: From the interview, screening processes included preparing a population list; planning; measuring waist, weight, and blood pressure using digital sphygmomanometer which rarely calibrated. Then they recorded data and analyzed for report indicators. The population coverage of HT screening was 88.8%. Most villagers did not know family history of HT. Summary results of the screening were 87.1% normal, 4.1% were pre-HT and 8.3% were suspected new HT. Among suspected new HT cases, 20.0% were assessed for CVD risk, and 50.5% were referred to physician. Among people accessing physician, 5.0% were diagnosed as HT.
Recommendation: Training on HT screening should be provided to health volunteers. CVD risk assessment and referral process should be improved to increase the coverage. Risk communication on the benefit of family history may help access the un-screen population. Health facilities should have an effective system to follow the suspected HT cases who were not diagnosed.