Feasibility of a pilot programme to increase awareness of blood pressure as an important risk factor for stroke in Australia.
BACKGROUND
Reduction of blood pressure represents one of the most effective means of reducing stroke risk. However, lack of community awareness and uncontrolled blood pressure remain a significant problem. In 2007, the National Stroke Foundation (Australia) conducted the 'Know Your Numbers' pilot programme to improve community knowledge, based on a similar UK programme developed by the Blood Pressure Association. We aimed to determine the success of the pilot in improving knowledge and in identifying factors to improve the programme.


METHODS
Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Rotary International recruited volunteers to provide a 'free' blood pressure check and educational resources between 25 and 27 October 2007 via 'pressure stations'. evaluation methods: registration log and a survey of a 'one in 10 sample' at baseline and 3 months. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.


RESULTS
77 out of 104 pressure stations returned data. The median tested per pressure station: 29 (interquartile range 19, 50), 66% tested by pharmacy and 32% by Rotary. Of the 2834 registrants (58% female, 55% aged >55 years), 46% had 'high' readings (>140/90 mmHg). Of those with high readings, 45% reported no history of high blood pressure and one-third of the registrants were unaware of their blood pressure level. There was evidence of improved knowledge at the 3-month follow-up, with most participants with high blood pressure (85%, n=22) being reviewed by their doctor.


CONCLUSIONS
The 'Know Your Numbers' pilot programme was a successful model for improving knowledge of blood pressure as an important stroke risk factor and encouraging individuals with high blood pressure to be reviewed by their doctor. Further programmes with evaluation are being planned.
Kilkenny
Monique F
MF
National Stroke Research Institute, Heidelberg Heights, Vic., Australia.
Johnson
Roslyn R
RR
Cadilhac
Dominique A
DA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*