Lifestyle Modification Determinants of Blood Pressure Status Awareness amongst Traders in A Market Community North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has increasingly become a public health concern in developing countries.  Awareness of blood pressure status in the light of lifestyle modification knowledge and practices is cardinal in the prevention and control of hypertension. Lack of blood pressure status awareness is associated with delayed recognition of hypertension related complications. Aim: This study assessed the determinants of blood pressure status awareness and educated the participants on lifestyle modification practices to prevent hypertension. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 103 consecutive consenting adult participants in a market outreach carried out to mark World Family Physicians Day. The questionnaires were interviewer administered.  Analysis of data was done with SPSS version 20 and the level of significance was at a p-value of 0.05. Result: Their mean age was 42.4 ± 12.4 years. There were more females 58(56.3%) than males and most of the participants were married, 72(69.9%). Those that had secondary education were 47(45.6%) and most, 95(92.2%) earned a monthly income of ≤₦49.999. Only 37.9% of the participants were aware of their blood pressure status. There was a statistically significant association between those that were not aware of their blood pressure status and those that lack knowledge of lifestyle modification practices, those that do not correctly practice lifestyle modification and those that have negative perception towards hypertension prevention. Furthermore, the participants with above mentioned attributes were less likely to know their blood pressure status. Conclusion:  The level of blood pressure status awareness was low, those that lacked knowledge of lifestyle modification, do not practice lifestyle modification and have negative perception toward hypertension prevention were less likely to be aware of their blood pressure status.