[01] Osuala Eunice Ogonna, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Hypertension is a major Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) with complications such as stroke and heart failure. Awareness about hypertension has been indicated to influence attitude leading to practice of healthy lifestyles which has implications for hypertension prevention and control. Awareness of predisposing factors of a disease and the people’s perception of its seriousness informs their decision on whether or not to adopt preventive measures such as regular blood pressure check. This study was designed to assess the effects of a Community Health Nurse-Led Intervention (CHNI) on awareness on hypertension and subsequent reaction of residents of Isunjaba, Imo State, Nigeria on regular blood pressure screening. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design. Multistage sampling technique was used to select two communities in Isunjaba, assigned into Experimental (EG) and Control groups (CG) by balloting. A total of 442 rural dwellers (199 from EG and 243 from CG), between ages 20 and 75 years that consented, were selected. A validated structured questionnaire with Correlation coefficient value of 0.76 was used to assess level of awareness and perception using five and eight statements respectively. The CHNI consisted of instruction on risk factors for BP, consumption of healthy diet, regular BP check and exercise as well as the importance of regular blood pressure screening and was administered to the EG only. The two Primary Health Care Centers in the two Communities were used as the referral and screening centers. Data were collected at baseline, Post Intervention 1 (P1) and post intervention 2 (P2) at three monthly intervals. Descriptive and statistical analysis was computed. Results were presented using tables and graphs. There was marked improvement in awareness, perception and high percentage of clinic attendance in the Experimental group after CHNI, buttressing the importance of Health Education. The difference between the number of clinic attendees in the experimental and control groups was significantly high (p= 0.000). Increased awareness on the benefits of regular blood pressure screening through outreaches is recommended to promote health seeking behaviour of rural dwellers for early diagnosis and prevention of stroke.

Awareness, Health Behavior, Hypertension, Rural Dwellers, Nurse-Led Intervention

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