EFFECTS OF APPLYING CONTINUES CARE MODEL ON DIETARY SODIUM INTAKE AND BLOOD PRESSURE AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Hypertension is recognized as the leading risk factor for disability and death worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of applying continuous care model on the amount of dietary sodium intake and blood pressure in hypertensive patients referred to the heart clinic of Seyed al-Shohada educational and treatment center of Urmia in 2018-2019.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on a total of 50 hypertensive patients in two groups (intervention and control) as pre-test and post-test. Continuous care model was conducted on intervention group over a period of 3 months. At the end of study, the mean of blood pressure and the amount of dietary sodium intake in both groups was measured again.

The mean of sodium intake, systolic and diastolic blood pressure of patients in the intervention group after the intervention decreased significantly (p<0.05). In other words, applying continuous care model had a significant effect on the reduction of dietary sodium intake and the mean of blood pressure in patients.

Applying continuous care model can reduce dietary sodium intake and blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Therefore, it is recommended to use this model along with drug therapy in the care and nursing of hypertensive patients in order to control problems and achieve better therapeutic results.