Page No., 257-268.
Rithuma Oruganti* & Meena Hariharan**
Centre for Health Psychology*, University of Hyderabad**
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Effective health communication is vital in enhancing patient comprehension, knowledge,
medication adherence and treatment outcomes in a chronic condition like hypertension.
This review presents the various forms of health communication, which are effective in
enhancing hypertension related knowledge and management. Various factors related
to reaching out to the patient through health communication are identified in the current
review. The studies related to methods and strategies for improving hypertension related
health communication have been highlighted. The review clearly suggests that health
communication that considers the biopsychosocial context of the patient, optimizes health
outcomes in a chronic illness like hypertension. Research indicated the efficacy of a
holistic approach tailored in accordance with models advocated by Health Psychology
such as Health Belief Model, Trans theoretical Model of Behavioural Change or Social
Cognitive Theory are brought to light. The review compared different methods of health
communication in reaching out to patients. These studies provided adequate evidence
that since treatment of primary hypertension involves lifestyle changes, communication
that addresses the biopsychosocial aspects brings the desirable results.
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