7 September 2022
I share this article because I believe it is of particular importance and relevance to communities in the Solomon Islands where there are socioeconomically and disadvantaged citizens without proper access to primary health care, especially in many parts of the rural parts of the country in the absence of functioning and staffed health clinics.
I quote from the US National Institute of Health.
· In a study of both socioeconomically disadvantaged and socioeconomically advantaged neighborhoods, better access to primary health care was associated with improved high blood pressure awareness and control.
· These associations existed whether residents lived in socioeconomically disadvantaged or socioeconomically advantaged neighborhoods.
· The study's findings suggest that regardless of where people live, they may benefit from blood pressure control programs that increase access to primary health care.
Having easier access to primary care physicians may increase high blood pressure awareness and control regardless of where a person lives, according to new research published today in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all Americans have hypertension (high blood pressure), and many don't even know they have it. High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms. The best ways to protect yourself are to be aware of the risks and make healthy life changes that matter.
In a new study, researchers note that health care professionals at community clinics and primary care practices may help expand awareness and detection of high blood pressure by providing affordable treatment and management. High blood pressure is a leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and effective blood pressure control reduces the associated cardiovascular health risks.
"Access to primary care is the key to hypertension management, however, many Americans have limited access to primary care where they live. This is especially true of people in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
It is well known that better access to primary health care is linked to improved high blood pressure awareness and control. This study sought to clarify if people living in disadvantaged neighborhoods may benefit from better access to primary care health professionals.
End of quote.
Comment
In the Solomon Islands, the MHMS needs to put more resources and effort on expanding primary health care in the underserved rural areas and give much more attention to helping people found to be suffering from hypertension, including prescribing anti-hypertension medications to those found needing such protective treatment.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
