PRIMARY CARE INTERVENTION ON SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES MELLITUS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The Systemic Arterial Hypertension and the Diabetes Mellitus can be associated to the elderly people, who are more susceptible to complications due to these diseases. The aim of this study is to describe an intervention organized by The Vila Velha University medical students with the Family Health Unity team, in order to elucidate the elderly on important subjects related to their chronic conditions. METHOD The students with the Health Community Agents performed home visits to invite the elderly people and to create professional-user bond. The educational activity was organized in two meetings, 40 and 57 participants, from 62 to 89 years old, respectively. The blood pressure and the capillary glycaemia post-prandial were checked. The themes discussed were: concepts, risk factors, prevention, chronic complications, and treatment adherence. The students showed some foods, suggested some receipts and practices to be incorporated. At the end of each meeting, a dynamic intervention with body self-stretching techniques, breathing control and relaxing movements was performed, encouraging exercising. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The participants felt better and motivated by the socialization with the students, the unity team and the other elderly people in their community. 51 from the 97 participants (52,5%) showed values considered altered, and were conducted to the health team to assist them. It was noticed that the participants had little information on the diseases, which reflects on the possible complications. Interventions, like the one described, become pertinent in the Primary Health Care scenario, improving complications prevention and reducing public expenses.