Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Studies indicate that hypertension is prevalent in Iran, however, the reports are heterogeneous. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of hypertension and the rate of follow-up in a sample of population over 30 years old in Kashan city. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted on people screened for hypertension in the project of "monitoring the health of Iranian population" in Kashan city at April 2013. Among all completed screening forms, 5000 forms were selected randomly. Required data were extracted from these forms and were recorded on a checklist that was consisted of 9 questions on demographics characteristics and 10 questions about follow-up. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, paired t-test and pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Totally, 5% of the enrolled people had a systolic blood pressure over 140 mmHg and a diastolic pressure over 90 mmHg. Only 92 subjects with high blood pressure were available via telephone. Also, 42.42% of cases refused to answer. From all subjects who were available and answered the study questions, 50% had been referred to a physician after 5.17 (6.05) days. Of these, 52.2% were diagnosed as being hypertensive. Lacking time was the main reason for non-referral. CONCLUSION: The incidence of hypertension was less than other studies but the rate of follow-up was low. Nurses and Iranian nursing organization are suggested to conduct a nationwide screening and follow-up project to improve the rate of early diagnosis and help people in better management of hypertension.