KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICES OF ELDERLY WOMEN REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF HYPERTENSION

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study In medical terminology, high blood pressure is known as hypertension. According to the American Heart Association, an individual is considered hypertensive when their systolic blood pressure (SBP) exceeds 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and their diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is higher than 90 mm Hg (Kofi, 2015). The understanding and behavior of individuals concerning hypertension play a crucial role in the effective control and prevention of its long-term complications. Individuals living with hypertension must possess the necessary knowledge to effectively manage their condition, which includes recognizing their illness, identifying associated risk factors, and appreciating the significance of adhering to long-term medication regimens (Malik, Yoshida, Erkin, Salim, & Hamajima, 2016). Patients’ understanding and perception greatly influence the management of their illnesses. Enhancing patients’ knowledge has proven to support adherence to treatments for conditions like hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels. The awareness and attitude of hypertensive patients can significantly impact their health outcomes, including how well their blood pressure is controlled, as well as morbidity and mortality rates (Jimoh et al., 2017). Additionally, knowledge is a vital component in driving behavioral change and promoting a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the context of managing high blood pressure. Several social, economic, and environmental variables must be considered when addressing hypertension. An increase in awareness, often achieved through health education and promotion, plays a significant role in facilitating the necessary lifestyle adjustments for blood pressure control. Hence, individuals are encouraged to adopt behaviors and habits that promote optimal health outcomes (Zungu & Djumbe, 2019). However, it is widely believed that many people remain unaware of the dangers associated with high blood pressure and how it can be prevented. A lack of adequate knowledge may lead to unnecessary anxiety among patients and improper utilization of medical resources. If hypertension remains undetected or poorly managed—especially in rural regions where illiteracy is more common—it can lead to a rise in severe health issues such as stroke, congestive heart failure, glaucoma, and kidney failure (Osuala, 2017). Due to widespread illiteracy, many rural dwellers have limited understanding of hypertension, hold negative views about it, and often engage in improper management practices. At present, there is limited information about the community’s general attitude toward hypertension prevention, blood pressure status, and their daily health behaviors (Eunice Osuala, 2017). Conversely, individuals with a sound understanding of their condition are more likely to monitor their blood pressure at home. This proactive approach helps improve medication adherence and results in better hypertension control. Therefore, having comprehensive knowledge about high blood pressure and understanding the potential risks it poses are essential for improving one’s quality of life (Malik et al., 2016). Hypertension is broadly classified into two categories: primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension accounts for about 95% of all cases and is considered the more common type. Secondary hypertension is less prevalent and arises due to underlying health conditions. If left untreated, hypertension can be fatal (Kofi, 2015). Although specific causes of hypertension may not always be clearly stated, several contributing factors have been identified in past studies. These include aging, high salt consumption, low potassium intake, physical inactivity, emotional stress, and anxiety (Kofi, 2015). This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of elderly women regarding the management and prevention of hypertension and other chronic diseases. The burden of hypertension has become a significant health concern across many developing nations as these countries shift from a predominance of infectious diseases to chronic non-communicable illnesses (Ahmad and Ahmad, 2015). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2019), deaths resulting from chronic conditions such as hypertension are expected to rise by 17% in the coming decade, with the African region predicted to witness the largest surge—estimated at 27% (Kofi, 2015). 1.2 Statement of the Problem In Nigeria, many people are unaware that they are living with hypertension, a condition that affects blood pressure. This lack of awareness contributes to its increasing prevalence, as many who are aware of its existence still take little or no action to mitigate its risk factors. One reason for this may be the absence of national programs or policies aimed at controlling hypertension, possibly due to the currently low death rates attributed to the condition. However, given the ongoing rapid advancements in science and technology and the dynamic nature of people’s lifestyles, this scenario is bound to change in the near future (Kofi, 2015). Poor awareness regarding hypertension often leads to negative attitudes about the disease, which can directly impact how elderly women with hypertension manage their health (Ahmad and Ahmad, 2015). There is a strong positive relationship between patients’ awareness of their health conditions and their capacity to effectively manage them. A well-informed and positively inclined patient is more likely to maintain lower blood pressure levels, reduce their risk of cardiovascular complications, adhere to prescribed medications, and experience lower rates of illness and death. 1.1Objective of the study The general objective of the study is to examine knowledge, attitude and behavioral practices of elderly women regarding the management and prevention of hypertension . Specifically, the study will be guided under the following: i.To examine if elderly women have knowledge on the management of high blood pressure. ii.To find out if health care personnel have a positive attitude towards elderly women with high blood pressure. iii.To investigate the preventive measures elderly woman can use to prevent high blood pressure. iv.To investigate the different ways elderly women manage their high blood pressure. 1.2Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study: i.Do elderly women have knowledge on the management of high blood pressure? ii.Do health care personnel have a positive attitude towards elderly women with high blood pressure? iii.What are the preventive measures elderly woman can use to prevent high blood pressure? iv.What are the different ways elderly women can manage their high blood pressure? 1.3Research hypotheses The following hypothesis have been formulated for the study: H01: Elderly women do not have knowledge on the management of high blood pressure. H02: Health care personnel do not have a positive attitude towards elderly women with high blood pressure. 1.4Significance of the study The study will be significant to ministry of health as this will expose them to the need of creating awareness on high blood pressure and also training health care personnel on knowledge, practice and attitude of patients and how to treat and handle patient with high blood pressure. This study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature. 1.5Scope of the study This study will examine if elderly women have knowledge on the management of high blood pressure. The study will also find out if health care personnel have a positive attitude towards elderly women with high blood pressure. The study will further investigate the preventive measures elderly woman can use to prevent high blood pressure. Lastly, the study will investigate the different ways elderly women manage their high blood pressure. Hence this study will be delimited to Ondo State. 1.6Limitation of the study Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced. 1.7Definition of terms Knowledge: facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. Attitude: a settled way of thinking or feeling about something. Practice: the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it. Management: the process of dealing with or controlling things or people. Prevention: the action of stopping something from happening or arising. High blood pressure: blood pressure that is higher than normal.