Perceptions and lifestyle practices of hypertensive patients attending Lira regional referral hospital, Lira District, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is the leading cause of death in adults. About 80% of all cardiovascular deaths in low and middle-income countries are attributed to hypertension. In Uganda, the prevalence is 20.2%- 30.5% among adults. Information on knowledge, perceptions & life style practices of hypertensive patients continues to be inadequately known in Lira. Objectives and justification: the general objective was to determine the knowledge, perceptions and lifestyle practices of hypertensive patients in Lira Regional Referral Hospital. The Specific objectives were; (1) to assess the knowledge of hypertensive patients on lifestyle modification, (2) to assess the perceptions of hypertensive patients on lifestyle modification and (3) to assess the life style practices of hypertensive patients attending Lira Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: A cross sectional study design was used. Patients’ files were reviewed to obtain eligible participants and simple random sampling was used to select participants. Four (4) Research Assistants (clinical nurses) were trained to collect data. A semi- structured questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire were used for data collection. Data Analysis: Data was coded and entered in EPI Info version 3.2.1 and thereafter exported to Stata version 13 for analysis. Univariate analysis was used to generate frequencies, means and proportions. Bivariate analysis was used to investigate associations between independent and dependent variables. PRR with their 95% CI were used as a measure of association. Results: Overall, 415 hypertensive patients were enrolled in this study of whom, 257(61.93%) were females. Three quarters had good knowledge of recommended lifestyle modification, more than a half, 214(51.44%) had low level perceptions on lifestyle modification and 275 (61%) of the patients had adequate lifestyle practices among which, 122(44.4%) had controlled BP with more than a half of the patients 212(51.1%) practicing 5 or more lifestyle modifications. Conclusion: patients had good knowledge of lifestyle modification, more than a half had low perceptions on lifestyle practices and more than a half had adequate lifestyle practices. Education programs should focus on measures that address patients’ perception on recommended lifestyle modification and motivation interviewing and counseling is recommended to enhance uptake of recommended lifestyle practices.