The Awareness and Control Measures for Hypertension among the Elderly Population in a South-South Community, Nigeria

Abstract

High blood pressure also known as hypertension is the second global risk factor for disease. The study assessed the awareness and control measures of hypertension among elderly individuals in a South- South Community, Nigeria. The study surveyed 92 elderly individuals using a descriptive design, using a self-structured questionnaire, and analyzing data using SPSS version 24. Findings established 60.13± 0.45 as the mean age of the respondents; 49(53.3%) were females and 29(31.5%) were business executives. 85(92.4%) of participants know that hypertension is an increase in one’s blood pressure. 60(65.2%) of participants know that regular checking of blood pressure is a preventive strategy against hypertension. 80(87%) of participants understand that adherence to hypertensive drugs as prescribed by the doctor is one of the ways to control blood pressure. 66(71.7%) of the participants agree that taking food low in salt can help to control blood pressure. 69 (75%) of participants agree that the availability of time to go for regular blood pressure check-ups is very important. This study concluded that there is a high level of awareness of hypertension and a cause for concern, as majority of the participants has inadequate practice of control measures of hypertension.