Abstract

SOUSA, Paula  and  PEREIRA, M. Graça. Intervention in hypertension in primary health care. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2014, vol.15, n.1, pp.244-260. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/14psd150120.

This is an intervention program for hypertensive patients whose aims were: Increase knowledge and information about the disease, promote better management of the disease through the development of skills needed for self-care in order to promote a better adjustment to disease, to promote adherence and finally promote coping strategies and stress management. The program consisted of six weekly sessions with ninety minutes each, based on a multidisciplinary approach that included: Psychologist, family doctor, nurse, nutritionist and physical therapist. The first two sessions addressed clinical aspects of the disease (symptoms, causes, consequences, treatment, and disease outcomes) and prevention of risk and healthy behaviors (alcohol, smoking, blood pressure monitoring and adherence to medication), the third session addressed the promotion of healthy eating habits, the fourth session focused on the promotion of physical activity and the fifth and sixth session addressed the effects of stress in hypertension as well as coping strategies for their management (relaxation, training, self-instruction training and problem solving). Each session ended with a homework assignment to consolidate knowledge and create a link between all sessions. The program was evaluated through three instruments: Illness representations questionnaire (IPQ - Brief), medication adherence report scale (MARS) and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II). Due to the small number of participants, the effectiveness of the program was assessed through the Reliable Change Index and the Clinical Significance Index according to JT method.

Keywords : hypertension; lifestyle; medical adherence; illness representations.

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