Hypertension awareness and perception: Health Education Implication on prevention and control among rural dwellers, South East Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract:-Awareness, knowledge and attitude about hypertension have been indicated to influence practice of healthy lifestyle which has implications for hypertension prevention and control. Awareness of predisposing factors of a disease and the people's perception of its seriousness informs their decision on whether or not to adopt preventive measures. This study was designed to assess the effects of a Community Health Nurse-Led Intervention (CHNI) on awareness and perception of residents of Isunjaba, Imo State, Nigeria on hypertension. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select two communities in Isunjaba, assigned into Experimental (EG) and Control groups (CG) by balloting. A total of 442 rural dwellers (199 from EG and 243 from CG), between ages 20 and 75 years that consented, were selected. A validated structured questionnaire with Correlation coefficient value of 0.76 was used to assess level of awareness and perception using five and eight statements respectively. The CHNI consisted of instruction on risk factors for BP, consumption of healthy diet, regular BP check and exercise. The CHNI was administered to EG for two weeks. Data were collected at baseline, Post Intervention1 (P1) and post intervention 2 (P2) at three monthly intervals. Descriptive statistics was employed in analysis and results presented using tables. At baseline, 254 (61.7%) were aware of cases of sudden death and stroke in the community. Only 125 (32.9%) knew their blood pressure reading while 112 (28.7%) knew they were hypertensive. Myths about hypertension were revealed through their perception. There was marked improvement in awareness and perception in the Experimental group after community health nursing intervention buttressing the importance of Health Education. Community Health Nurses interact with individuals, families and communities at all settings to provide services especially at homes more than any other member of the health team. Regular health information in respect of hypertension, by this group is recommended to curb ignorance among rural dwellers where only a few attain tertiary education.

Maternal Health Care Utilization Behavior, Local Wisdom, and Associated Factors Among Women in Urban and Rural Areas, Indonesia

“…Ideally, the implementation of ANC is carried out in a health facility and handled by professional health workers who have the ability and authority in ANC, including family planning, preconception, pregnancy, and post-natal care to reduce morbidity and mortality. 62 …”