Effect of the peer supportive program on blood pressure changes in patients affected with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Hypertension is the biggest risk factor of death worldwide. The peer supportive program is one of low-cost programs which can be used to enhance patient information in chronic diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of peer supportive program on blood pressure changes in patients affected with hypertension. This study was conducted on 64 patients referring to Isfahan hypertension center in two experiment ( attending in 6 one-hour sessions of the peer supportive program), and control ( attending in tow training sessions hold by researcher) groups in 2015. The blood pressure of samples was measured in two groups before the start of intervention, immediately, after that, and one month after intervention. Then it was analyzed using spss18 program, independent T-, Man-Withney, and Chi-Square experiments. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure scores of the two groups. However, immediately after that, and one month after beginning of the intervention, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure scores in the experimental group was significantly ( P < 0.001). The peer supportive program is effective in promoting systolic and diastolic blood pressure scores inpatients whit hypertension.