Temporal effects of prompting on acceptance and follow-up in a community-based hypertension screening program

J Community Psychol. 1984 Apr;12(2):164-72. doi: 10.1002/1520-6629(198404)12:2<164::aid-jcop2290120209>3.0.co;2-2.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of prompts and reinforcement on two aspects of hypertension control: a) attendance at a community-based blood pressure screening program and b) follow-up visits to a physician's office by persons identified through screening as at-risk clients. Baseline data showed a decreasing trend in attendance at the screening sessions and a 51% "no show" rate for physician follow-ups. Screening session attendance increased following intervention; however, attendance rates across weeks appeared to vary mainly as a function of the prompting schedule (monthly newsletter announcements ) rather than the availability of reinforcement. Finally, the intervention not only increased the percentage of at-risk clients who saw a physician, but also decreased the latency between the time of initial screening and the follow-up appointment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Community Mental Health Services*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / prevention & control*
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Time Factors