Community health worker-facilitated telehealth for moderate-severe hypertension care in Kenya and Uganda: A randomized controlled trial

Authors: Matthew D Hickey, Asiphas Owaraganise, Sabina Ogachi, Norton Sang, Erick M Wafula, Jane Kabami, Nicole Sutter, Jennifer Temple, Anthony Muiru, Gabriel Chamie, Elijah Kakande, Maya L Petersen, Laura B Balzer, Diane V Havlir, Moses R Kamya, James Ayieko

This study tested if using telehealth, with help from community health workers (CHWs), could better control high blood pressure in rural Uganda and Kenya. Adults with severe hypertension were given either regular clinic visits or home-based telehealth care supported by CHWs. After 6 months, 77% of those in the telehealth group had their blood pressure under control, compared to 51% in the clinic group. After 12 months, the telehealth group improved even more, with 86% controlled versus 44% in the clinic group. The results show that telehealth with CHW support can be a better way to manage high blood pressure in rural areas.