KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS AS A MEASURE INFLUENCING THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AT THE DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, OGHARA

Abstract

Background: Millions of people suffer from hypertension; and considering that it poses a significant risk for a number of serious health-related problems (such as stroke, kidney, and heart diseases), lifestyle modifications activities like exercise, healthier diet, and stress reduction has been shown to effectively control hypertension and lower the risk of problems.

Aim: This study examined the knowledge and awareness of the predisposing factors to hypertension as a measure of lifestyle modification influencing the management of hypertension among hypertensive patients.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty (150) hypertensive patients attending Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria were recruited using a descriptive cross-sectional research design. Data was collected using a questionnaire designed by the researchers. A face-to-face administration of the questionnaire was used. Data was summarized using frequencies and percentages and analysed using the spearman’s rank order correlation at p-value significant at < 0.05 level.

Results: This study revealed that most participants were knowledgeable about the causes of hypertension and considered stroke as a complication of hypertension. Most participants were aware that a person with hypertension should practice a healthy diet, reduction of chronic stress level and should participate in aerobic exercise, while adopting cessation of smoking as measure for the control hypertension complications. Similarly, most of the respondents accepted the following factors are the influence of lifestyle modifications in the management of hypertension: having enough rest, mild to moderate exercise, low consumption of low salt diet, and high consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion: Most of the participants were knowledgeable about hypertension and the associated causative factors; and aware of various positive lifestyle modification strategies in the management of hypertension. However, the level of awareness of the respondents still needs to be increased, as it would improve the lifestyle modifications.