A community survey of cardiovascular risk factors in an urban population in Botswana exploring potential for telemedicine

摘要: Summary Background This paper reports the findings of a pilot study undertaken in Gaborone, Botswana to investigate feasibility using screening address hypertension. An international research team, consisting members University Melbourne, Australia, and Institut de neurologie tropicale, Limoges, France, collaborated with researchers from Botswana, develop study. Methods Sampling inhabitants was carried out consecutive households central location local Bontleng Health Clinic. Eligible participants were 18 years over, present during data collection, able participate short questionnaire physical examination. A total 92 participants consented enrolled Results The team received with enthusiasm there mutual respect by all involved Our confirmed that prevalence hypertension an urban population around 30%, figure is comparable other sub-Saharan Africa. significant clinical correlates our for obesity high salt intake. Only 37% participants had been exposed any education regarding raised blood pressure, cardiac disease or stroke. Conclusion While no single intervention has shown be effective models care need multidimensional based on integration expertise. Long-term follow-up, training, quality assurance support health workers essential. positive social evaluation component indicate proposed model integrated benefit can strong bonds already available community. recommends would piloted randomized control trial where group receive Telemedicine-supported receiving as usual.