Comparing the effect of two family- and individual-based interventions on blood pressure and lifestyle

¯Abstract Background: High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To compare the effect of two family-and individual-based interventions on blood pressure and lifestyle in subjects suffering from hypertension. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 91 subjects with blood pressure ³ 140/90 mmHg in Islam-Abad, Zanjan (Iran) during 2005-2006. The subjects were non-randomly assigned to either the family-based group (n=42) or individual-based group (n=49). Intervention included counseling to promote both lifestyle and medical aspects of secondary prevention .The data were analyzed using chi-square test, t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test. Findings: The mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 159/5±14/4 to138/3±12 and 157/6±21/6 to132±20/9 in family-based group and in individual-based group, respectively. There was no significant difference in blood pressure between two groups after intervention (p=0.92). However, following intervention the mean blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups (P=0/0005). Also, the mean score of fruits and dairy product consumption and physical activity in subjects were significantly increased among two groups, post-intervention (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The results indicated that both methods with focus on physical activity and diet counseling followed by structured follow-up meeting could be considered as effective ways of controlling CVD risk factors