Knowledge, attitude to hypertension and lifestyle habits of rural dwellers in Owerre-Nkwoji, Imo State Nigeria

Abstract

Hypertension accounts for 13% of global mortality, with 25% prevalence in Nigeria. Current trends in management is lifestyle modification. Information on lifestyle habits is needed for effective intervention programe. A study was done among rural dwellers between ages 20 and 75 in Owerre-Nkwoji, Imo State, to determine their knowledge, attitude to hypertension and lifestyle habits. Information gathered would be used to plan an intervention programe to increase awareness and promote healthy lifestyles. The study design is descriptive and simple random sampling method was used in selection of village for the study. An instrument used was a questionnaire with sections on background, knowledge, attitude and lifestyle habits. Descriptive and inferential analysis was done. Findings revealed awareness on hypertension as 116 (96.7%). 88 (73%) were aware of sudden death and stroke in the community. Participants with high knowledge were 32 (26.7%), average 40 (33.3%) and low 48 (40.0%). There was positive attitude to hypertension prevention. Sixty-four (53.3%) believed that hypertension can be sent by one's enemy. Unhealthy lifestyles elicited include use of alcohol, table salt and stimulants. There is a need to correct misconceptions. Readiness for improved health was elicited. As people recognize that lifestyles and behavior significantly affect health, they may assume responsibility for avoiding high risk behaviors.

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

“…High awareness and negative perception was same with the studies by Ekwunife (2010) and Osuala, Oluwatosin, and Kadiri (2014). Even in the Western part of the country, myths about cancer which is also a non communicable disease was recorded by Adedemeji, Lounsbury, Popoola, Asuzu, Lawal, Oladoyin, et al in their study in Ibadan.…”

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

“…It is also in line with the findings of studies conducted by researchers in Nigeria, Africa and America. In the study by Osuala et al responses on awareness of incidents of stroke and sudden deaths in the community was 88 (73.3%) each while average knowledge was 40 (33.3%) [13]. Ike et al stated that 50% of their patients thought that hypertension was caused by stress [14].…”

“…The prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria with a population of 1 million [11] was between 20% and 25% according to Danbauchi [8]. However a study in Port Harcourt, South-South of Nigeria reported a prevalence of 40.82% among the study participants [12].…”

“…According to Danbauchi [8] and Okeahialam [9], hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among Nigerians and is accompanied by complications such as stroke, retinopathy, diabetes, cardiac and renal failure [10]. The prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria with a population of 1 million [11] was between 20% and 25% according to Danbauchi [8].…”

Hypertension Prevention and Control: Effects of a Community Health Nurse-led Intervention

“…Hypertension if left unchecked especially in the rural area where the population is predominantly that of old people, would increase its incidence, cases of stroke, heart failure, glaucoma and renal failure. Even though many studies had been conducted on hypertension in various continents as Asia, America, and Africa by researchers [6][7][8]; only a few had been done in the rural area of Nigeria [9][10][11][12][13]. Isunjaba of Isu Local Government Area in Imo State being a rural community is not excluded.…”