Background:
Recently,the patients of non-communicable diseases are increasing in Thailand; especially hypertension. However,finding high blood pressure early, treating and keeping it in the normal range can reduce the risk of developing complications such as Stemi and Stroke. Thailand has 10 million hypertension patients in 2013. Hence, Thai Government has policy to reduce the NCDs such as hypertension.
Methods:
This study was to convert disease oriented to health promotion approach to primary health care, using “ VICHAI’s 7 Color Balls Model”, which was used for primary screening of hypertension. The target population aged 15-65 which covering more than 90% of Singburi population. The screening result was classified by types and levels of severity of hypertension (blood pressure).The 7 colors are referred to normal <120/80 mmHg, white, risk 120/80-139/89 mmHg, light green, risk medication <139/89 mmHg, dark green, mild 140/90-159/99 mmHg, yellow, moderate 160/100-179/109 mmHg, orange , severe >180/110 mmHg, red, and patients with complication (black). The normal and risk group measured BP every 3 months, while the patient group did every month.
Results:
The control and prevention systems were developed to follow up patients using investigation, health education to encourage strictly medication and their behavioral change with best practice of 3Es(Eating,Exercise,Emotion) and 3Rs (Reducing tobacco,alcohol, obesity). Screening Hypertension was coverage 97.41% (2014-2015),normal group (white) increased from 72.55% to 74.94%, Significantly severe patients (red) were decreased to moderate (orange) from 0.11% to 0.07% and the complicated patient with STEMI decreased of 17.14% Furthermore, treatment cost decreased 3.9 million baht.
Conclusions:
This project is expanding in all provinces of Thailand as it is now one of the priority government policy. And it is the first demonstration of knowledge transfer to community engagement by student, which is the sustainable education in primary health care.
Main Message:
Finally, outcome of this study not only reduce the patient and mortality rate but also increase the quality of life, could apply in different areas and propose to be the national policy, effectively for a long term operation.