Occupationally-Sponsored, Community-Provided Hypertension Control

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Abstract
A hypertension control program established by the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company [Springfield, Massachusetts, USA] in 1977 included education, on-site case finding, and referral to community physicians with a company-based follow-up system facilitated by assumption of all costs by the company. Ninety-eight percent (2, 463) of the employees were screened; 11% (277) had hypertension. Of these, 59% were in treatment and 36% were controlled at entry. More than 84% of the hypertensives accepted referral to care and 79% fulfilled all program requirements. By the 5th program yr, 70% had achieved blood pressure control. Mean blood pressure declined from 150/93 to 142/88 mm Hg. Absenteeism for all hypertensives averaged 4.7 in the 3 yr before and 5.7 during the 4 yr of the program. Employees active in the program had fewer average days of absenteeism (4.7) than inactive participants (6.8). Modest cost and a favorable employee/physician response has made this a highly acceptable as well as an effective company health program.

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