Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

The Assessment of Family Physicians’ Performance in Screening of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Rural Areas of Isfahan County: A 5-year Survey

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Reza Khadivi 1
Tayebeh Hashemi 2
Elham Farrokh Siar 2
Mohsen Rohani 3
1 Associate Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Student of Medicine, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Family physician program and referral system is being performed from 2005 in rural areas of Iran. Family physicians are mandated to screen high risk population for high-priority diseases. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the family physicians’ performance in screening of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) 5 years after the introduction of family physician program. Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 2011 in rural health centers of Isfahan County, we collected the data from health dossier of all hypertensive and diabetic mellitus patients who were cared in these centers.  Demographic data, the date of definite diagnosis, the last fasting blood sugar test and blood pressure were registered in a checklist. Findings: Family physician teams diagnosed 3209 hypertensive and 1684 diabetic mellitus patients. Based on the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the studied areas, family physicians diagnosed 31.5% of hypertensive patients and 55% of diabetic mellitus patients. Conclusion: In rural areas which family physician program has been introduced, HTN and DM screening were improved. Keywords: Family physician, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Task performance and analysis, Isfahan
Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 30, Issue 209 - Serial Number 209
September and October 2012
Pages 1650-1661

  • Receive Date 03 October 2012
  • Accept Date 06 April 2022