Educational intervention to elevate the level of knowledges in elderly diagnosed with high blood pressure in the Popular Medical Clinic “Las Flores”, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Abstract

Introduction: the elderly population is increasing today. More than 600 million people worldwide are 60 years or older; it is estimated that by 2050, 22% of the world population reaches that age. Currently 4,5% of Venezuelans belong to the elderly.

Objective: to assess in elderly with hypertension their knowledge to achieve a satisfactory longevity.

Method: a pre-experimental study was carried out in 96 hypertensive patients of the elderly, belonging to the Popular Medical Clinic "Las Flores" of the municipality of San Cristóbal, Táchira State, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in the period from April to July 2014. Through a general survey it was gathered information concerning each patient and a questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge before and after the educational intervention. The data were processed using SPSS for Windows and the results were presented in tables and graphs.

Results: there was predominance of patients aged 65 to 69 years, female, overweights and 5 years or more of disease evolution. Diabetes mellitus was identified as chronic condition associated. Prior to the intervention, the level of knowledges about nutrition and physical exercises to achieve a satisfactory longevity was low among the elderly; subsequently, a qualitative change was observed.

Conclusions: educational intervention helped to assess and raise the level of knowledge of the elderly with high blood pressure, which contributes to achieving a satisfactory longevity