<![CDATA[Hypertension control remains suboptimal in low- and middle-income countries, partly due to limited healthcare worker (HCW) competency in implementing Home Blood Pressure Measurement (HBPM) in primary care. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured HBPM-based training program in improving HCW competency in Indonesia's remote border region. A quasi-experimental pretest/posttest control-group design was conducted among 149 HCWs from 41 primary health centers. Participants were allocated to intervention (n=74) or control (n=75) groups based on geographic catchments. The intervention comprised a standardized two-day face-to-face training integrating didactic instruction, simulation, and hands-on practice. Competency was assessed using a validated multi-domain instrument covering knowledge, technical skills, and clinical interpretation. The intervention group demonstrated significant competency improvement (pre: 74.97±13.97; post: 90.09±10.85; mean difference: 15.12, 95% CI: 11.89–18.36; p<0.001; Cohen's d=1.08), exceeding gains in the control group (mean difference: 6.22, 95% CI: 3.06–9.38; Cohen's d=0.45; between-group p<0.001). Technical skills showed the greatest improvement, while interpretive competencies improved modestly. Structured, face-to-face HBPM training significantly enhances HCW competency in resource-limited border settings. Integrating such programs into continuing professional development frameworks may strengthen primary care capacity for hypertension management in similarly underserved contexts.]]>
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