Characteristics, and disease control and complications of hypertensive patients in primary-care - a community-based study in Singapore.
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INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a common chronic condition usually managed by primary-care practitioners in Singapore. This study assessed the characteristics, control and complications of non-diabetic hypertensive patients managed at government primary healthcare clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 9 clinics was conducted over 1-week in 2006. Five hundred and six non-diabetic hypertensive patients were systematically sampled from all clinic attendees. Data relating to socio-demographic, lifestyle factors, treatment and complications were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires and review of clinic medical records. Blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken with validated automated sets following a standard protocol. RESULTS: The prevalence of good BP control (<140/90 mmHg) was 37.7% (95% CI: 33.6% to 41.8%). Ninety seven percent were on medication with about half on monotherapy. Seventy percent of patients had a body mass index (BMI) of 23.0 kg/m(2) or higher, 64% did not exercise regularly and 8% were current smokers. After adjusting for age and lifestyle factors, male hypertensive patients had poorer BP control compared to females. Nineteen percent of patients reported at least 1 complication of hypertension, especially cardiac disease. After multivariate analysis and duration of disease, age and the male gender were associated with the presence of hypertensive complications. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the patients were not controlled to target levels. Male patients were more likely to have poorer control of hypertension and significantly higher risks of complications. Control of BP could be further improved by lifestyle modifications - weight reduction, promotion of physical activity, healthier eating habits and smoking cessation. (+info)
Effective recruitment of minority populations through community-led strategies.
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Participants' assessments of the effects of a community health worker intervention on their diabetes self-management and interactions with healthcare providers.
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Community-based dental partnerships: improving access to dental care for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
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Access to oral health care for persons living with HIV/AIDS is limited. Academic dental institutions can play a significant role in addressing the problem. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and impact of the Community-Based Dental Partnership Program (CBDPP), a federal program created to reduce dental care access disparities for persons living with HIV/AIDS through education and training of students and residents in underserved communities. CBDPP forms collaborations between participating dental education programs and community health organizations. Data for this report were drawn and analyzed from site visits, site visit reports, focus groups, and program data reports. In 2007, 4,745 individuals received oral health services through this program, an increase of 47 percent from 2004, the first year of full program operations. The number of dental providers who delivered oral health services grew from 766 in 2004 to 1,474 in 2007. Providers acquired skills, developed self-confidence, and overcame stereotypes in managing the oral health needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Community partners reported expanded dental care capacity to meet the unmet oral health needs of their service populations. CBDPP has had a positive impact on access to dental care and training of providers in HIV and oral health. (+info)