Role of the occupational health service in the control of hypertension
Zwingenberger, W.; Nestler, K.; Schneider, R.; Böthig, S.
Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Innere Medizin und ihre Grenzgebiete 45(13): 382-385
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-2542 PMID: 2238749 Document Number: 349173
By a representative random sample in an order of magnitude of 5,150 employees the determination of the degree of knowledge of the hypertensives in the factory health service of metal mines showed nearly 100%. In the dispensary of the factory medical officer 64.2% were registered. 36.6% of the hypertensives were stabilised to blood pressure values below 160/95 mm Hg. Forms of therapy, cardiovascular risk factors associated with high blood pressure and effects of the working environment were investigated by means of factor and discriminance analysis with regard to the influence on the quality of the stabilisation of high blood pressure. The compliance resulted as essential limiting factor in the treatment of hypertension. 71% of the hypertensives reported a regular intake of medicaments, in which case 51% admitted to interrupt it without consulting the physician in charge when the constitution is disturbed. 4 features were determined as essential factors which have influence on the compliance: the opinion concerning the duration of the treatment of hypertension, the attitude to the intake of medicaments, the frequency of the intake of the tablets and the observation of the terms of blood pressure control. The investigation of the physician's compliance resulted, apart from an overestimation of the patient's compliance, in distinct deviations from the recommendations for diagnosis and therapy given. The compliance of nurses showed deficiencies in the standardized measurement of blood pressure.