ABSTRACT
The object of this enquiry was to estimate the number of self monitoring devices for blood pressure measurement in Guadeloupe in 2005 and to determine how they were used. The enquiry included 509 patients aged over 35 years and living in Guadeloupe meeting the inclusion criteria of PRETRAHGUAD: PREvalence et TRAitement de Hypertension en GUADeloupe. The enquiry was made by Qualistat, a survey institute. Designed as a survey, it was based on the two degree quota method. It was carried out by telephone by CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Inquiry) networked computer programming by ten operators trained by experts of the HTA-GWAD organisation. In addition to questions on socio-demographic background and biometric parameters, the operators also asked about observance of antihypertensive treatment, the ownership of a self monitoring blood pressure device and its usage. A subject who said he took a treatment validated as antihypertensive was considered to be a "treated hypertensive". The results indicate that in 2005, in Guadeloupe, 32% of the population over 35 years of age were treated hypertensives, making a total of 51,230 individuals. Forty three percent of treated hypertensives and 19% of other subjects admitted to having used a self monitoring blood pressure device. Twenty six percent of the study population owned a device. Of the estimated total of 43,220 devices in circulation, nearly half of them were wrist devices. Regular usage (at least once per month) was declared by 73% of hypertensive and 46% of other subjects. Out of the total population, the medical practitioner had spoken of self monitoring of blood pressure to his patients and had incited only 18% to carry it out. The authors conclude that, in 2005, one third of adults over 35 years of age were treated for hypertension and 43% of treated hypertensives owned a self monitoring blood pressure device. The incitation by medical practitioners to use this method of self monitoring remained modest. This technique would seem to be little used by medical practitioners although the patients have started to equip themselves with the device.