Expectations of hypertensive patients attending the GOPC of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive patients' expectations are a major determinant of treatment outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine the pattern of expectations of hypertensive patients as a basis for modification of the care given to them. Methodology: This was a descriptive hospital study involving 260 hypertensive patients aged above 20 years, randomly selected. Study participants were engaged in patient-centred consultation during each visit. Their socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while the expectations of the hypertensive patients were also assessed. Their blood pressure was measured on three (3) occasions at two-monthly intervals. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and data were presented in tables. Results: The majority of the respondents (161, 61.9%) were females while the males numbered 99 (38.1%). Most (219) of the respondents were older than 40 years and had some form of education. The majority of the respondents needed information on hypertension (85.3%), expected that the hypertensive medication they would be given wouldlower their blood pressure (88.5%), and expected a cure of their hypertension (70.4%). There were some respondents who did not have any expectations. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients have varying illness expectations that can be explored using the patient-centred consultation strategy to improve treatment outcomes.

Impact of Nutrition on Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index of Staff of Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

“…Another factor encouraging corpulence may be related to urbanization with longevity and changes in lifestyle from traditional active way of life to sedentary, with unhealthy diets combined with genetic susceptibility to obesity (Ravvsian & Swinburn, 1992). This finding also confirms study from U.S. National center for health statistic which estimate that 26.0% of adult population are either overweight or obese (Gyuse, Adat, Udonwa & Ndebbio, 2016). The result of the present study shows no incidence of obesity amongst the age range of 25-30 year and 31-37 years in both male and female Respondents'.…”

“…A sedentary lifestyle raises the likelihood of obesity and high blood pressure (United Nations Economic Commission, 2007). According to the U.S. Public Health Services, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from hypertension, with a considerable portion attributed to overweight and obesity, particularly affecting those over 65 (Gyuse et al, 2016). The prevalence of hypertension among African Americans is about one-third higher than among whites (American Heart Association, 2005).…”