Hypertension screening in adults attending family health centers: prevalence and awareness in those with and without a prior hypertension diagnosis
BMC Public Health, vol.26, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 26 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1186/s12889-026-27410-4
- Journal Name: BMC Public Health
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Public Affairs Index, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Adults, Awareness, Blood pressure, Family health centers, Follow-up measurement, Hypertension, Medication adherence, Prevalence, Screening
- Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of hypertension among adults with and without a prior hypertension diagnosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study included adults who presented to the Family Health Centers (FHCs) and was completed with 1,360 participants. Data were collected with a sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics form, a blood pressure measurement and hypertension awareness form, and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form. Blood pressure measurements were performed in accordance with the guidelines. If the measured blood pressure was in the hypertensive range, the participant was invited for a follow-up. Results: Mean age was 57.5 ± 13.6 years; 61.5% were women. Percent 44.6 of the participants had diagnosed hypertension. Among those with hypertension, 93.7% were taking antihypertensive medication. Approximately half of the participants perceived their blood pressure as lower. High blood pressure was observed with and without diagnosis of hypertension, respectively, 41.5% and 21.5%. These participants were invited for a follow-up blood pressure measurement, and 46.6% returned for the follow-up. At follow-up, a decrease in blood pressure was observed in 80.8% of those with a diagnosis of hypertension and in 57.0% of those without a diagnosis of hypertension, and medication adherence improved. Additionally, at follow-up, 9.8% received a new diagnosis of hypertension and 17.0% were modified their antihypertensive treatment regimen. Conclusions: Follow-up and counselling-based interventions implemented in FHCs are effective in improving blood pressure control and increasing treatment adherence. There is a clear need for FHC-based screening and awareness programs, as well as longer-term interventions and follow-up studies.