Improving hypertension awareness and management in Vietnam through a community-based model

Abstract

Hypertension prevalence in Vietnam is high, but few people are aware of their disease status. Detection, diagnosis, and treatment are limited, so new approaches are needed to improve awareness and manage the condition, especially at the primary health care level. The Communities for Healthy Hearts programme operated in four districts of Ho Chi Minh City, with the aim of increasing awareness and ensuring linkage to care. Interventions focused on extending services beyond health facilities to convenient community locations; training cadres of community volunteers to screen, refer, and follow up with clients; training health workers in facilities to diagnose, educate, and manage patients referred from the community; and supporting the process with digital case tracking. Community-based blood pressure screenings took place in client homes, commune health stations, and non-traditional sites such as coffee shops, dentists’ offices, marketplaces, neighbourhood watch/security posts, and tailor shops. In total, 121,273 adults aged 40 and older were screened. Of these, 25.1% had elevated blood pressure or a previous hypertension diagnosis and were referred to health facilities. Of those referred, 56.2% were confirmed to have hypertension, and of those confirmed, 75.2% were treated. Of those treated, 51.0% achieved blood pressure control, a favourable outcome over past programmes.