The effects of illness perception and group interview on hypertension control

Aim: To assess the relationship between illness perception and blood pressure regulation in patients with hypertension and the effect of group interviews on illness perception to illness perception and blood pressure regulation.Methods: Patients with hypertension admitting to Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Cukurova University from 23.05.2008 to 23.11.2008 were included. Sociodemographic and Illness Perception Questionnaire were completed. Patients were divided into two groups: First group was control group and the second group underwent group interview. Group interviews were performed once a month with an assistant professor, a resident and a nurse for three months. One week after the last interview all patients re-completed Illness Perception Questionnaire and their blood pressures were measured. The data was installed and analyzed using statistical pocket program.Results: Of 109 patients, 92 (84,4%) patients completed the study. Of these, 40 patients (43,5%) underwent group interviews. Blood pressure control rate which was 27,5% before the interview achieved significantly to 70% of patients after the interview in the intervention group. In control group, blood pressure regulation changed from 23,2% to 31,9%.Conclusions: Most patients with hypertension fail to reach target blood pressure values. Group interview which is a new healthcare model may contribute to blood pressure regulation by affecting illness perception of patients positively.Keywords: Hypertension, illness perception, illness perception questionnaire, group interview.