Period: 2017

Researchers: Vilma Irazola, Analía Nejamis, Daniela Moyano, Martín Chaparro.

Objective

The proposed study will evaluate whether two strategies based on Behavioral Economics improve hypertension control, compared to usual care, in people with poorly controlled hypertension.

Summary

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are increasing and are the leading cause of death. In Argentina, they represent 34,2% of deaths and 12,6% of years of life potentially lost. High blood pressure is one of the greatest risk factors for CVD and early death. A study carried out in the Southern Cone of Latin America estimated a prevalence of hypertension of 42.5% (95% CI 41.3, 43.7). Furthermore, only 21% of all hypertensive patients and 43,3% of treated hypertensive patients had their blood pressure controlled. The present study will explore strategies based on behavioral economics. They are emerging around the world as a key element to act in the modification of habits related to factors that lead to an increase in CVD. The proposed study will evaluate whether two strategies based on Behavioral Economics improve hypertension control, compared to usual care, in people with poorly controlled hypertension. To do this, an individual controlled randomized clinical trial with three arms will be carried out. Approximately 429 patients will be recruited (143 per branch) spread across 6 Health Centers. The interventions include the delivery of a device for self-monitoring of blood pressure conditional on the signing of a “commitment contract”, and peer mentoring, compared to usual care and will have a 3-month follow-up. The difference in blood pressure values ​​between the groups will be measured from baseline to 3-month follow-up. In addition, the proportion of patients with hypertension control (<140/90 mm Hg), the net change in body weight, and if there was intensification of pharmacological treatment, the patient's self-report of adherence to medication will be evaluated. patient and the number of visits to the center.

Finance

IDB – Inter-American Development Bank

Study design

Individually controlled randomized clinical trial with three arms