Patient participation in a hypertension control program. Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program Cooperative...

In the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program, the largest standardized hypertension detection, follow-up, and treatment program to date in the United States, participation rates have been high at all stages. More than 75% of those with suspected hypertension at screening attended follow-up rescreening, and more than 80% of the 5,314 hypertensive patients assigned to program treatment remained active at the end of one year. Differences in participation rates were generally small. To accomplish this, intensive efforts were required to maximize attendance, and the program was shaped to reduce known barriers to initial attendance and long-term adherence. Against the background of a high overall program response rate for all sex-race groups, factors that might be associated with variations in response were examined: age, socioeconomic characteristics, health status, and appointment schedule.