title: Effects of an interdisciplinary education program on hypertension: A pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The goal of this pilot study was to examine the effects of a structured interdisciplinary education program on blood pressure, knowledge, anthropometric measures, medication compliance, behavioural risk factors and quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this quasi-experimental study, participants were assigned to an intervention (n = 21) or a regular care group (n = 19). The intervention group attended four weekly sessions related to hypertension. Anthropometric measures and blood pressure were recorded at baseline, one, three and six months for all participants. Both groups completed questionnaires on knowledge, health-related behaviours and quality of life at these same intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reduction in systolic blood pressure was greater in the intervention group than in the regular care group (p = 0.05). However, there were no between group differences with regard to the other variables studied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participation in a structured interdisciplinary education program was associated with a reduction of systolic blood pressure, thus contributing to a risk reduction for cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Dieppe Medical Centre, Vitalité Health Network, New Brunswick. therese.lauziere@vitalitenb.ca
authors.forename: Thérèse A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Lauzière
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chevarie
authors.forename: Martine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Poirier
authors.forename: Anouk
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Utzschneider
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bélanger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D058025:Interdisciplinary Studies; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009509:New Brunswick; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors