A cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate pharmacy-based health promotion program to improve blood pressure control in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan

2023 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22H03308
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Institution: Hitotsubashi University
• Principal Investigator: Rahman Mizanur 一橋大学, 社会科学高等研究院, 客員准教授 (10726433)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 中村 良太 一橋大学, 社会科学高等研究院, 教授 (00717209) ; 佐藤 主光 一橋大学, 社会科学高等研究院, 教授 (50313458) ; ALAM MD・ASHRAFUL 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 特任研究員 (80866632)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: Blood pressure / Quality of life / Pharmacy / Bangladesh / Pakistan / India

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Community pharmacies provided educational training, counseling, phone calls, and text messages in 2023. We analyzed 3600 individual data collected in 2022 in a descriptive manner in 2023. As part of the study protocol, intervention groups receive text messages and phone calls every three months throughout 2023. These calls and messages remind participants to stay healthy and take medications on time. Using the same baseline questionnaire, we conducted a follow-up survey at the end of 2023 to collect sociodemographic information, blood pressure, glucose levels, anthropometric measurements, and self-reports. 96% of respondents responded to the follow-up survey. Based on the contents of the baseline intervention, the pharmacist proposed a second intervention in 2023. A number of meetings have taken place with Prof. Nakamura, Prof. Sato, and Dr. Alam to discuss the follow-up intervention, follow-up survey schedule, and project progress.There were essential contributions made by the Co-Investigators to the research plan, leading to its refinement and preventing any extra costs from being incurred. A manuscript has been submitted to Trials journal for publication following meticulous drafting by the Principal Investigator and significant revision by the Co-Investigators. Following data collection and cleaning, we are currently analyzing 3,600 hypertensive adults from each country in a cluster-randomized trial. The Principal Investigator shared three manuscript preparation plans with Co-Investigators based on baseline survey data.

Current Status of Research Progress

1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.

Reason

Our team of collaborators and dedicated researchers put in commendable effort to collect invaluable data, implement effective interventions, and maintain close collaboration with local pharmacists. This process is proceeding ahead of schedule without any unforeseen incidents at both the baseline and midterm levels of data collection.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

During 2024, our primary focus will be on conducting a comprehensive analysis of the collected data. Our aim is to investigate the impact of the intervention on both blood pressure levels and overall quality of life. We will then collaborate with our Co-Investigators to review and incorporate their feedback into the analysis. From May to December, our team plans to prepare three manuscripts, each addressing different aspects of the research findings such as interpretation, implications, and recommendations. These manuscripts will be submitted to reputable journals and conferences within the field. Additionally, we have scheduled presentations of our findings at both national and international conferences, specifically the Japan Epidemiological Association's conference in February 2025 and an international conference to be announced. Lastly, the Principal Investigator (PI) has a monitoring trip to Bangladesh planned for the end of 2024 to ensure the smooth progress of the project.