Subgroup analyses showed smaller sample s reporting larger effect sizes ; intervention lasting less than 6 months showed larger effect sizes and intention-to-treat analysis showed smaller effect sizes Lifestyle interventions may be of value in preventing and reducing blood pressure in LMICs .
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication , hypertension remains poorly controlled in low and middle-income countries ( LMICs ) .
Improving control of high blood pressure among middle-aged Turkish women of low socio-economic status through public health training.
AIM To assess the effects of health training course aim ed at educating middle-aged women of low socio-economic status in Turkey how to better control high blood pressure . METHODS The intervention study included 400 r and omly selected women aged ( mean+/-st and ard deviation ) 34.1+/-8.6 years . After their body size and blood pressure were measured , the women were r and omly divided into two groups . The intervention group underwent public health training on high blood pressure control and obesity reduction , whereas control group had no training at all . After six months , blood pressure and body size of women in both groups were measured again . RESULTS Overall , the initial high blood pressure and obesity ratio in the intervention and control group were 20.0 % and 31.7 % , respectively . After 6 months of the intervention program , the number of women within the optimal weight range significantly increased in the intervention group compared with control group ( p=0.009 ) . After the intervention program , the number of women with normal weight and normal blood pressure in the intervention group significantly increased ( weight : 130 women before vs 150 after , p=0.001 ; blood pressure : 160 women before vs 173 after , p<0.001 ) . After the intervention , the percentage of meals consisting of fried food in the intervention group was lower by 31.9 % , and by 5.0 % in the control group . After the intervention the percentage of boiled food increased by 15.7 % in the intervention group , compared with no change in the control group . The consumption of food high in salt decreased by 5.5 % in the control and by 72.2 % in the intervention group . Similarly , the percentage of women who exercised almost doubled in the intervention group , whereas there was no change in the control group . CONCLUSION The changes in the lifestyle significantly reduced  hypertension and obesity ratio among women . The public health center can provide initial health training support as a part of the broader public health management program , aim ed at helping people tackle health problems
Subgroup analyses showed smaller sample s reporting larger effect sizes ; intervention lasting less than 6 months showed larger effect sizes and intention-to-treat analysis showed smaller effect sizes Lifestyle interventions may be of value in preventing and reducing blood pressure in LMICs .
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication , hypertension remains poorly controlled in low and middle-income countries ( LMICs ) .