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 ) .
Comparison of relaxation techniques, routine blood pressure measurements, and self-learning packages in hypertension control.
BACKGROUND Even though the effectiveness of mediation and relaxation skills is controversial in blood pressure control , extensive field studies are limited . A national study targeting 50 communities r and omly selected from northern Taiwan was conducted to test and compare the effectiveness of hypertension control incorporating three strategies . METHODS Five hundred ninety hypertensives identified from 3,128 adults at a screening survey among the 50 communities were invited to participate in the study and were r and omly assigned to three treatment modalities , ( a ) relaxation techniques training at home , ( b ) routine blood pressure measurement by a health professional , and ( c ) reading self-learning packages , or to a control group . RESULTS After a 2-month intervention period , the three treatment groups showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure levels compared with the control group ( 11.0 mm Hg for group 1 , 9.2 mm Hg for group 2 , and 5.1 mm Hg for group 3 ) . The relaxation group had the most significant reduction in systolic blood pressure levels , followed by the routine blood pressure monitoring group and the self-learning group . However , the effect of relaxation training at home was not significantly greater than routine blood pressure measurement by a health professional
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 ) .