The Acceptability and Impact of the Community-Based Blood Pressure Group pilot intervention in Zimbabwe

Abstract Introduction Over one billion people worldwide have hypertension. In Zimbabwe, prevalence is an estimated 38%, surpassing the global average of 34%, and >50% of hypertensives are undiagnosed. The Community BP groups (Com-BP) study examined whether community groups of people living with hypertension, provided with BP machines and led by trained Facilitators could improve awareness, screening and support for those diagnosed with hypertension, to help blood pressure (BP) control. We present findings from the quantitative evaluation of the Com-BP pilot intervention. Methods The acceptability of the Com-BP intervention, its potential effectiveness in improving knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and in reducing BP among hypertensive adults in Zimbabwe, was evaluated. Cross-sectional surveys using standardised questionnaires, and BP and Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, were done at the start and end of the pilot intervention. Statistical evidence of difference between baseline and follow-up was examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank test for continuous data and McNemar’s test for categorical data. Results Fourteen groups (seven urban and seven rural) were formed and 151 participants joined over a median of 5months. Retention in the groups was 97.9% (137/140 recruited at baseline), with approximately equal numbers from the urban and rural sites. Median age at baseline was 54 years (IQR 45-66y; min-max 30-92y) and the majority (79%, n=108) were female. Most participants (82.5%, n=113) rated their experience of the group sessions as excellent. The proportions of participants with changes in KAP from baseline to endline were as follows: 45.3% (n=62) to 81.0% (n=111) (p=0.004) able to identify at least two pre-disposing factors for hypertension; 65.0% (n=89) to 77.4% (n=106) (p=0.02) reporting ≥1day of vigorous physical activity/week; 28.5% (n=39) to 13.9% (n=19) (p=0.001) reporting salt added to meals at the table. There was no statistical evidence of any difference in medication adherence, p=0.06. The proportion of participants with uncontrolled hypertension was 58.1% (n=79) at baseline and reduced to 31.8% (n=43) at follow-up (p