Participación comunitaria en la prevención de hipertensión arterial crónica en El Ecuador.

Abstract

Chronic arterial hypertension (AHT) is a major public health problem in Ecuador, with a prevalence of 19.8% in adults. This challenge is intensified by factors such as inadequate diet, sedentary lifestyles and inequalities in access to health services, requiring sustainable and innovative strategies. Community participation is emerging as a key element in the prevention of ETS by promoting healthy habits, strengthening social cohesion and enhancing the responsiveness of the health system to the social determinants of disease. The country's cultural and socio-economic diversity presents both challenges and opportunities. For interventions to be effective, they must be adapted to local realities and respect traditions, especially in rural and indigenous contexts. Barriers such as limited resources, low health literacy and structural inequalities can be overcome through the training of community leaders, the use of digital technologies and intersectoral collaboration. Successful experiences in Brazil and Colombia show that active community participation reduces risk factors and improves health outcomes, offering a replicable model for Ecuador. Thus, the country has the opportunity to consolidate a preventive approach centred on social participation that reduces the burden of non-communicable diseases and strengthens the autonomy of communities.