A description of community-based participatory research of hypertension awareness, prevention and treatment in a district of Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background Hypertension is an important worldwide public health challenge because of its high prevalence and concomitant risks of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The risk factors for hypertension are well known, and screening, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension have been well researched. However, this knowledge has not been translated into community practice as there remains a huge knowledge gap between the academics, health workers and the communities. There is need for community participation in developing and implementation of health interventions among marginalised communities. Aim The aim of this project was to improve the community’s knowledge about hypertension by positively influencing beliefs and behaviours, leading to improved community hypertension outcomes. Setting The study was undertaken in Ward 14, a rural area situated south-west of Gwanda District, Matebeleland South Province in Zimbabwe. Methods We conducted a health services research utilising qualitative methods by using a community-based participatory approach using a cooperative inquiry group. Results There was improvement in knowledge about awareness and primary prevention of hypertension. Community hypertension care was established through competence training of village health workers (VHWs) and more persons living with hypertension were enrolled into care. Pill pickup rate and treatment compliance improved and the community’s confidence in VHWs was restored. Community hypertension screening, treatment registers and health facility referrals were established. Conclusion The community was empowered; the VHW was established as a key link between the community and the formal health delivery. This was a sustainable form of improving community hypertension health outcomes.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to hypertension among residents of a disadvantaged rural community in southern Zimbabwe

“…The study findings were used to identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practices including myths and misconceptions by hypertensive patients and the community at large on hypertension. These were then used to develop the methodology for the implementation phase of the community participatory action research (CBPR) study we conducted (these study findings were published in a separate paper) [31]. The CIG validated the study findings, and they then used these findings during the action reflection cycles for planning and learning purposes.…”

“…The CIG validated the study findings, and they then used these findings during the action reflection cycles for planning and learning purposes. Subsequently, the implementation of new community strategies for improved primary prevention of hypertension in the CBPR study [31], were informed by the findings in this baseline quantitative study. Thus, by implication recommendations of improved service delivery from the hypertension CBPR study were influenced partly by the findings in this study.…”

Is patient navigation a solution to the problem of "leaving no one behind"? A scoping review of evidence from low-income countries

“…The health issues targeted by the interventions (some targeted several health issues) (see Figure 5 ) were: HIV ( n = 19), maternal and newborn health ( n = 14), child health (various diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria) ( n = 7), tuberculosis ( n = 4), epilepsy ( n = 2) ( Guinhouya et al , 2010 ; van Diessen et al , 2018 ), hypertension ( n = 2) ( Kotwani et al , 2014 ; Chimberengwa and Naidoo, 2019 ), obstetric complications ( n = 2) ( Kandeh et al , 1997 ; Seim et al , 2014 ), surgical care ( n = 1) ( Matousek et al , 2017 ), measles ( n = 1) ( Gignoux et al , 2018 ), schizophrenia ( n = 1) ( Asher et al , 2018 ), leprosy ( n = 1) ( Rogers et al , 2018 ), breast cancer ( n = 1) ( Kassam et al , 2017 ), elevated blood pressure ( n = 1) ( Neupane et al , 2018 ), rehabilitative care and orthopaedic reconstruction ( n = 1) ( Penny et al , 2007 ), sexually transmitted diseases ( n = 1) ( Behforouz et al , 2004 ; Koenig et al , 2004 ; Mukherjee et al , 2006 ; Mukherjee and Eustache, 2007 ) and no specific disease ( n = 1) ( Musinguzi et al , 2017 ).…”

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Relevance of community-based participatory research in community medicine training

“…[ 8 ] PRA has been conducted to address health issues such as infant health, HIV/AIDS, and menstrual hygiene [ Table 1 ]. [ 9 10 11 12 ] More examples of use of CBPR exist in diabetes,[ 13 ] hypertension,[ 14 ] and obesity,[ 15 ] among others. Environmental issues by their inherent close links to societal development provide one of the best areas for the demonstration of CBPR approach.…”