Data-based planning for educational interventions through hypertension control programs for urban and rural populations in Maryland

As part of a statewide effort to coordinate existing resources for high blood pressure (HBP) control, a public health HPB control program was planned and implemented in two high-risk communities in Maryland. The selection of the two communities was based on epidemiologic data. The planning of te educational intervention program in these communities (urban and rural) was guided by organizational theory and health education principles. The framework for development, implementation, and evaluation of the program utilizes an educational assessment model which identified factors that predispose, reinforce, and enable individual persons to practice positive health behavior. Multiple data sources were used in assessing the extent of the problem and relevant approaches in the development of the coordinated HPB control program. These include statewide vital statistics and a random statewide household survey to assess the prevalence rates of awareness, treatment, and control of HPB. To supplement these data, telephone surveys were carried out in the two communities to assess knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to HPB control. Medical record reviews provided baseline information on appointment keeping behavior and BP correlates of hypertensive patients. The planning and implementation of the program was carried out under the direction of representatives of the health care systems, community leaders, and residents, and representatives of communitywide organizations involved in HPB control.