Control of Pulse Pressure and Factors Affecting it among the Geriatric Population Suffering from Hypertension within the Community

Abstract

Background: To explore the impact of employing the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) model within a unified community physician intervention aimed at managing pulse pressure among elderly individuals with hypertension in Shenyang, along with its associated influencing variables. Methods: 2660 hypertensive patients were recruited in the community of Shenyang City in January 2020. After a 1-year KAP intervention by a unified community physician, KAP changes and pulse pressure levels were compared before and after the intervention. Meanwhile, the relevant influences affecting pulse pressure control were explored. Descriptive analysis and multifactorial logistic regression were used. Results: A significant decrease in pulse pressure by 10.71 mmHg (95% CI: 10.09, 11.33 mmHg) was noted among elderly individuals with hypertension in the community after undergoing a rigorous one-year intervention program (t = 33.79, p < 0.05). Pulse pressure control increased from 32.59% at baseline to 64.92% (χ2 = 556.43, p < 0.01). Compared to pre-intervention, knowledge about hypertension, awareness of prevention, medication and behavioural adherence improved significantly. A multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for pulse pressure control were female sex, a history of comorbid diabetes mellitus and poor adherence to medication due to forgetfulness. Conclusions: Unified community physician interventions can change the perceptions of elderly hypertensive patients, improve medication adherence, and improve poor lifestyle habits, thereby improving pulse pressure control in the geriatric population with hypertension residing in local communities.

Keywords

• elderly
• hypertension
• pulse pressure control
• community physician intervention