Denna Michael1, Dotto Kezakubi1, Adinan Juma2, Jim Todd3, Hugh Reyburn3, Jenny Renju4. 1. National Institute of Medical Research, Isamilo Road, P.O. Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania. 2. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (Tumaini University), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania. 3. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK. 4. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (Tumaini University), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK jenny.renju@lshtm.ac.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major contributor to ill health in sub-Saharan Africa. Developing countries need to increase access for screening. This study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of using private sector drug retail outlets to screen for hypertension in Mwanza region, Tanzania. METHODS: A pilot study took place in eight drug retail outlets from August 2013 to February 2014. Customers ≥18 years were invited for screening. Socio-demographic characteristics, hypertension knowledge, hypertension screening and treatment history were collected. Subjects with systolic blood pressure over 140 mmHg were referred for follow up. Referral slips captured attendance. Mystery client visits and follow up phone calls were conducted to assess service quality. RESULTS: A total of 971 customers were screened, one person refused; 109 (11.2%) had blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg and were referred for ongoing assessment; 85/109 (78.0%) were newly diagnosed. Customers reported that the service was acceptable. Service providers were able to follow the protocol. Only 18/85 (21%) newly diagnosed participants visited the referral clinic within two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Blood pressure screening was feasible and acceptable to customers of private drug retail outlets. However many who were referred failed to attend at a referral centre and further research is needed in this area.
BACKGROUND:Hypertension is a major contributor to ill health in sub-Saharan Africa. Developing countries need to increase access for screening. This study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of using private sector drug retail outlets to screen for hypertension in Mwanza region, Tanzania. METHODS: A pilot study took place in eight drug retail outlets from August 2013 to February 2014. Customers ≥18 years were invited for screening. Socio-demographic characteristics, hypertension knowledge, hypertension screening and treatment history were collected. Subjects with systolic blood pressure over 140 mmHg were referred for follow up. Referral slips captured attendance. Mystery client visits and follow up phone calls were conducted to assess service quality. RESULTS: A total of 971 customers were screened, one person refused; 109 (11.2%) had blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg and were referred for ongoing assessment; 85/109 (78.0%) were newly diagnosed. Customers reported that the service was acceptable. Service providers were able to follow the protocol. Only 18/85 (21%) newly diagnosed participants visited the referral clinic within two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Blood pressure screening was feasible and acceptable to customers of private drug retail outlets. However many who were referred failed to attend at a referral centre and further research is needed in this area.
Authors: Shona Dalal; Juan Jose Beunza; Jimmy Volmink; Clement Adebamowo; Francis Bajunirwe; Marina Njelekela; Dariush Mozaffarian; Wafaie Fawzi; Walter Willett; Hans-Olov Adami; Michelle D Holmes Journal: Int J Epidemiol Date: 2011-04-28 Impact factor: 7.196
Authors: Aram V Chobanian; George L Bakris; Henry R Black; William C Cushman; Lee A Green; Joseph L Izzo; Daniel W Jones; Barry J Materson; Suzanne Oparil; Jackson T Wright; Edward J Roccella Journal: Hypertension Date: 2003-12-01 Impact factor: 10.190