Missed opportunities in hypertension risk factors screening in Indonesia: a mixed-methods evaluation of integrated health post (POSBINDU) implementation

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess the implementation and contextual barriers of POSBINDU, a community-based activity focusing on screening of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mainly hypertension and diabetes, in Indonesia.DesignThis was a concurrent mixed-methods study, with a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data and focus group discussions (FGDs) on stakeholder of POSBINDU.SettingThe study was conducted in seven districts in three provinces in Indonesia, with approximately 50% of the primary healthcare (PHC) were selected as areas for data collection (n PHC=100).ParticipantsFrom 475 POSBINDU sites, we collected secondary data from 54 224 participants. For the qualitative approach, 21 FGDs and 2 in-depth interviews were held among a total of 223 informants.Primary outcomes and measuresProportion of POSBINDU visitors getting the hypertension screening and risk factors’ assessment, and barriers of POSBINDU implementation.ResultsOut of the 114 581 POSBINDU visits by 54 224 participants, most (80%) were women and adults over 50 years old (50%) showing a suboptimal coverage of men and younger adults. Approximately 95.1% of visitors got their blood pressure measured during their first visit; 35.3% of whom had elevated blood pressure. Less than 25% of the visitors reported to be interviewed for NCDs risk factors during their first visit, less than 80% had anthropometric measurements and less than 15% had blood cholesterol examinations. We revealed lack of resources and limited time to perform the complexities of activities and reporting as main barrier for effective hypertension screening in Indonesia.ConclusionsThis study showed missed opportunities in hypertension risk factors screening in Indonesia. The barriers include a lack of access and implementation barriers (capability, resources and protocols).