Effect of adult day care centre attendance on hypertension management

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HT) silently threatens one in three adults, especially older adults, who struggle with blood pressure (BP) control because of limited health access, poor adherence to medication and failure to make lifestyle changes. This increases their risk for heart disease, kidney failure and dementia. Fortunately, adult day care centres (ADCCs) offer hope. These community facilities provide daytime care, including health support services, social activities and exercise. This study investigated the perceived effect of adult daycare centre attendance on BP control and treatment adherence.

Methods: A mainly descriptive study at MUCPP Community Health Centre (CHC) in Bloemfontein, South Africa, between July 2020 and September 2020, used questionnaires researchers completed during interviews. The researchers approached 372 hypertensive patients of a minimum of 60 years old and at least 2 years since being diagnosed.

Results: Of the 90 who attended ADCCs, 71.1% had controlled hypertension compared to 51.4% of those who did not. While treatment adherence showed no difference, a positive association between ADCC attendance and BP control is evident.

Conclusion: The findings suggest a promising link between ADCC attendance and improved BP control in older adults with hypertension. Adult Day Care Centres warrant further exploration as it seems to be an encouraging support intervention for this vulnerable population.

Contribution: This study highlights the positive impact ADCCs have on hypertension management in older adults, urging increased physician awareness and patient referrals.