[Development of information, counseling and treatment status for patients with hypertension from 1984-91 in West Germany].
Data from three nationally representative cross-sectional health surveys from 1984-86 (T0, n = 4790), 1987-88 (T1, n = 5335), and 1990-91 (T2, n = 5311) were analysed to determine changes in the utilisation of ambulatory services, degree of monitoring, risk factor awareness, drug treatment, and control, and medical counselling of hypertensive patients (actual hypertension prevalence) in West Germany. The percentage of hypertensives who had consulted a physician within the last year increased from 87% (T0) to 92% (T2) in men (p < 0.01), and from 94% to 96% in women (p > 0.05). The proportion of male (female) hypertensive patients who had their blood pressure measured by a physician within the last year was 87% (92%) in T2 (p-value for seven-year changes > 0.05). At T2, 50% (58%) of all male (female) hypertensives, whose blood pressure had been measured, were aware of their hypertension, with no significant changes during the study period. At T2, male (female) hypertensives in contact with a physician reported on medical recommendation of more physical activity in 16% (14%), reduced salt intake in 21% (25%), and reduced smoking/smoking cessation (only actual smokers) in 35% (31%) of cases. Counselling improved significantly only in hypertensive women. Although females had their hypertension more frequently treated with antihypertensive drugs (T0: 53%, T1: 53%, T2: 55%, p > 0.05), the increase of pharmaceutical treatment was stronger in men (T0: 34%, T1: 42%, T2: 45%, p < 0.01). Of those hypertensives treated with antihypertensive drugs, 55% (men) and 50% (women) had their blood pressure controlled below the 160/95 mmHg threshold in T2 with no significant changes during the study period. Suggestions are made for improving risk-factor awareness, and a higher quality and better integration of pharmaceutical treatment and non-pharmaceutical counselling of hypertensive patients.
Wanek
V
V
Abteilung Medizinische Soziologie, Universität Ulm.
Schneider
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005860:Germany, West / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000639:trends*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents