The overall quality of evidence based on GRADE criteria was moderate for systolic blood pressure , but low for diastolic blood pressure .
INTERPRETATION Task-sharing interventions are effective in reducing blood pressure .
BACKGROUND Task sharing for the management of hypertension could be useful for understaffed and re source -poor health systems .
We assessed the effectiveness of task-sharing interventions in improving blood pressure control among adults in low-income and middle-income countries .
Effect of a nutrition education programme on clinical status and dietary behaviours of adults with type 2 diabetes in a resource-limited setting in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a participant-customised nutrition education programme on glycated Hb ( HbA(1c ) ) , blood lipids , blood pressure , BMI and dietary behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus . DESIGN A r and omised controlled trial . The control group ( n 41 ) received education material s. The intervention group ( n 41 ) received the same education material s and participated in eight weekly ( 2 - 2·5 h ) group nutrition education sessions and follow-up sessions . Outcomes were assessed at 6 and 12 months . An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted . ANCOVA compared the groups ( adjustments for baseline values , age , sex and clinic ) . SETTING Two community health centres , Moretele sub-district ( North West Province ) , South Africa . SUBJECTS Adults ( aged 40 - 70 years ) with type 2 diabetes , HbA(1c ) ≥8 % .  RESULTS Differences in HbA(1c ) ( primary outcome ) were -0·64 % ( P=0·15 ) at 6 months and -0·63 % ( P=0·16 ) at 12 months in favour of the intervention group . Starchy-food intake was significantly lower in the intervention group , 9·3 v. 10·8 servings/d ( P=0·005 ) at 6 months and 9·9 v. 11·9 servings/d ( P=0·017 ) at 12 months . Median energy intake was significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 months ( 5988 v. 6946 kJ/d , P=0·017 ) . No significant group differences in BMI , lipid profile , blood pressure and intakes of macronutrients , vegetables and fruits were observed . CONCLUSIONS Nutrition education was not efficacious on HbA(1c ) ; however , it improved specific dietary behaviours . Group education and h and s-on activities appeared to contribute to the improvement . Optimal goal setting and self-efficacy training/ assessment could benefit future nutrition education programmes for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in re source -limited setting
The overall quality of evidence based on GRADE criteria was moderate for systolic blood pressure , but low for diastolic blood pressure .
INTERPRETATION Task-sharing interventions are effective in reducing blood pressure .
BACKGROUND Task sharing for the management of hypertension could be useful for understaffed and re source -poor health systems .
We assessed the effectiveness of task-sharing interventions in improving blood pressure control among adults in low-income and middle-income countries .