A CONTROLLED TRIAL OF NURSE COUNSELING ON LIFE-STYLE CHANGE FOR HYPERTENSIVES TREATED IN GENERAL-PRACTICE - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

1. We assessed whether a lifestyle modification programme implemented by nurse counsellors in a general practice setting would improve blood pressure (BP) control in treated hypertensive patients. 2. Patients w ere randomized into a control group or one of two intervention groups who received either a high or low level of counselling. 3. Patients in the intervention groups had appointments every 4th week for 18 weeks. The low intervention group had one practice appointment and five tele phone counselling appointments while the high intervention group had s ix appointments in their general practice. The patients were counselle d using a stage of change behavioural model and motivational interview ing to: reduce alcohol consumption, dietary fat and salt intake and we ight; cease smoking; and increase leisure time physical activity. 4. C ompared with controls the low intervention group showed significant de creases in alcohol and salt intake while the high intervention resulte d in significant decreases in both weight and BP. 5. We conclude that nurse counselling targeted to specific aspects of lifestyle can improv e BP control and weight in treated hypertensive patients over 18 weeks . Its longer term effectiveness in the management of hypertension warr ants further evaluation.