Development of educational material for hypertensive patients

• Grant number: 13/06860-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2013
• End date: November 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Psychological Treatment and Prevention
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Gorayeb
• Grantee: Tamiris Poletini Gallano
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the greatest health problems nowadays, being characterized by high and sustained levels of blood pressure. When not treated adequately, it can generate complications that represent elevated financial costs to society. The prevalence of this condition is high and adherence to treatment is low, which makes it one of the chronic diseases with a major impact on health. Among the factors contributing to low adherence, it is pointed outpatients lack information about the disease, its risk, and protective factors. So, health education actions are studied to better inform the patient and to stimulate behavioral changes and the adoption of healthier habits. Written material, such as booklets and folders, is the kind of instrument being used to promote Health Education, because of its multiple advantages, such as allowing continuous access of patients and their families and increasing the probability of understanding the information. However, a literature review of Brazilian and foreign material revealed that they might not be efficient, since they present complex information, few illustrations, and small font sizes, suppose a verticality, point out what has or has not to be done, without considering the fact that behavioral changes are a learning process. So, this study aims to elaborate a booklet for hypertensive patients with detailed information and illustrative figures, well written and well printed, to facilitate the behavioral change process. It will be performed a systematic review of Brazilian and foreign educational material and, based on this information it will be elaborated the written content to be used in the booklet. An art/graphic designer will create appropriate drawings to illustrate the content, producing the first version of the booklet, which will be named Booklet 1. This version will be evaluated by 5 physicians, 5 psychologists, 5 nurses, and 30 hypertensive patients. Based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of their opinion it will be elaborated the final version, named Booklet 2. (AU)