Perceptions and Thirst for Knowledge Regarding Hypertension among Rural Dwellers in Isunjaba, Imo State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Hypertension accounts for 13% of global mortality, is one of the most frequent causes of end stage kidney failure in the world, and has a 25% prevalence in Nigeria. Primary prevention based on comprehensive population-based intervention has been found most economical. Lifestyle modification is an essential part of management. It is important for the researcher to have a deep understanding of people's perceptions and attitudes to diseases like hypertension where effective interventions must address lifestyle choices of community members. Thus, this descriptive qualitative study carried out among 48 rural dwellers between ages 20 and 75 in Isunjaba, Imo state, to determine their perception and attitude to hypertension issues. Information gathered would be used in creating intervention programme to prevent hypertension and promote health. Findings revealed that participants were aware of incidents of sudden deaths and stroke in the town. There was a strong belief among members that hypertension "can be sent by one's enemy", even though majority attributed it to "worries and much thinking". Unhealthy lifestyles such as alcohol, and stimulant consumption (kolanut and snuff) were elicited. Daily activities were said to be equivalent to regular exercise. Participants were eager for measures to prevent hypertension and curb the incidence of stroke in the communities. There is therefore the need to institute hypertension awareness and blood pressure monitoring programme in the community.

Beliefs about hypertension among primary health care workers and clients in Nigeria: A qualitative study

“…In this study, proven biomedical risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, inadequate exercise, excessive fat and salt intake and stress and drug abuse were believed by both PHC workers and PHC clients to be major causes of hypertension. This is consistent with other studies on Nigerians [13, 14, 22] and in other parts of the world [23–29]. However, the study by Beune et al [23] showed that beliefs about causes of hypertension differed between health workers and lay people with hypertension.…”

“…Lay beliefs on the understanding of hypertension in terms of social related stressors are not new. Similar findings have been shown in studies on beliefs of hypertension in Nigeria [13, 14, 22] and in other places [23–29]. However, description of meaning hypertension among Nigerians in terms of cultural understanding is relatively new and was only recently described in a similar study conducted by the authors on Nigerian immigrants to the United Kingdom [17].…”

Lay community perceptions and treatment options for hypertension in rural northern Ghana: a qualitative analysis

“… 10 12–14 In particular, studies in the USA and UK have stressed that traditional and cultural beliefs and practices have an influence on perceptions regarding HTN among people of African descent. In SSA, a study, conducted in Zambia among adult rural participants reported a preference for using alternative medicines and herbs for BP treatment, 15 while another study in Nigeria found that while social support could contribute to compliance to HTN treatment, 16 even among people of the same ethnicity, there could be varied beliefs about HTN. These studies suggest that communities’ perceptions regarding illness influence how individuals understand and perceive their illness and could subsequently influence health outcomes for HTN and for other chronic diseases.…”

Hypertension Knowledge and Willingness of Government Officials in a Southwestern Nigerian City to Self-Monitor Blood Pressure

“…In addition, almost half of the respondents expressed fatalistic views stating that self-monitoring BP cannot prevent hypertension if an individual is destined to have. These sociocultural perception and beliefs have been documented in previous studies, 22,25,26 and this justifies the continued need for tailored behavior change interventions to correct wrong misconceptions and promote appropriate health-care-seeking behaviors.…”