Assessment On The Knowledge Of Causes And Management Of Hypertension Among Elderly Patients

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Hypertension  is referred to as high blood pressure in medical terminology. When someone has hypertension, their systolic blood pressure (SBP) is more than 140 millimeters mercury (mm Hg), and their diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is greater than 90 millimeters mercury (mm Hg), according to the American Heart Association (Kofi, 2015). Individuals’ hypertension-related knowledge and actions have a critical role in managing hypertension and preventing the development of long-term consequences. People with hypertension must be equipped with the knowledge they need to cope with themselves, to be able to identify their illness, to analyze risk factors, and to recognize the need of long-term medication administration (Malik, Yoshida, Erkin, Salim, & Hamajima, 2016).

Patients’ knowledge and attitudes have an impact on the care of their illnesses, and increasing patient knowledge is beneficial. It has been shown to improve adherence to therapy in illnesses such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The information and attitude of the patients may have an influence on their condition, blood pressure management, morbidity rate, and mortality rate, among other things (Jimoh et al., 2017). Aside from that, knowledge is an important factor of behavior change and healthy lifestyle behaviors in the context of high blood pressure. Controlling hypertension requires consideration of a variety of social, economic, and environmental issues. Higher levels of information gained via health education and health promotion have a significant impact on lifestyle changes in the context of hypertension. As a result, individuals should choose behaviors or lifestyles that will help them maintain an optimum level of health (Zungu & Djumbe, 2019). Furthermore, it is thought that many elderly individuals are unaware of the dangers of high blood pressure and how to prevent it. Inadequate understanding may result in severe patient concern and the incorrect use of medical care. If hypertension is allowed to go uncontrolled, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the population is illiterate, it will increase the incidence of stroke, heart failure, glaucoma, and renal failure, among other diseases.

Because of illiteracy, the majority of rural people lack understanding about hypertension, have a negative attitude about it, and practice it improperly. The blood pressure and attitude toward hypertension prevention in the neighborhood, as well as the people’s lifestyle habits, are not known at this time. Eunice Osuala (2017,). Patients with a good understanding of their condition, on the other hand, are more likely to conduct home blood pressure monitoring, which helps them stick to their prescribed medications and maintain proper blood pressure management. Individuals must have a thorough understanding of hypertension, as well as the possible health hazards associated with the illness, in order to successfully improve their quality of life (Malik et al., 2016).

Furthermore, hypertension may be divided into two categories. Primary hypertension and secondary hypertension are the terms used to describe these conditions. Ninety-five percent of the population is affected by primary hypertension, which is also known as basic hypertension. Secondary hypertension is a kind of high blood pressure that is caused by another medical problem and is less prevalent. Hypertension that is not managed might result in death (Kofi, 2015). Although the causes of hypertension are not mentioned, variables such as age, excessive salt intake, poor potassium intake, a sedentary lifestyle, concern and stress have all been identified as contributing to hypertension in the past (Kofi, 2015).

The purpose of this research was to assess the knowledge of causes and management of hypertension among elderly patients 45-70 years and above in Ajah Lagos State. Hypertension has emerged as a significant concern in a number of emerging nations as the epidemiological shift from transmittable to non-transferable chronic illnesses has occurred (Ahmad and Ahmad, 2015). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2019), the number of deaths due to non-transmittable illnesses, such as hypertension, would increase by seventeen percent over the next decade, with the highest increase occurring in the African region (27 percent) (Kofi, 2015).

1.2 Statement of the problem

Hypertension accounts for about 13.5% of annual deaths in the world. Moreover, hypertension directly accounts for 54% of all strokes and 47% of all coronary artery disease worldwide. At the same time, the most productive segment of the population is those aged 45 to 69, who make up more than half of this burden(WHO, 2010).

Hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary and ischaemic diseases as well as bleeding stroke. It has been shown that blood pressure levels are positively associated with the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease(WHO, 2011). One of the most modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is hypertension. However, awareness towards the treatment and control of hypertension is extremely low among the low and middle-income counties (LMICs), including Nigeria. On top of this, the health care resources of the LMICs are overwhelmed by other priorities, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. As a result, many LMICs have not yet given due attention to its prevention and control(Tesfaye, & Wall, 2009).

Hypertension is a worldwide burden and is one of the leading causes of mortality. It develops lots of complications rapidly with different stages and leading to death. The prevalence of hypertension is in increasing in the elderly population in Nigeria, hence this study seek to analyze the causes and prevention of high blood pressure in elderly people.

1.3 Objective of the study

The general objective of the study is to assess the knowledge of causes and management of hypertension among elderly patients 45-70 years and above in Ajah Lagos State. Specifically, the study will be guided under the following:

1. Determine the prevalence of high blood pressure in elderly people in Ajah Lagos State,
2. Assess the knowledge on the causes the hypertension among elderly in Ajah Lagos State,
3. Ascertain knowledge on the preventive measures of hypertension among the elderly in Ajah Lagos State

1.4 Research Question

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1. What is the prevalence of hypertension among the elderly in Ajah, Lagos State?
2. What are the causes the hypertension among the elderly in Ajah, Lagos State?
3. What are the preventive measures of hypertension among the elderly in Ajah, Lagos State?

1.5 Research hypothesis

Ho: There is no high prevalence of hypertension among the elderly in Nigeria.

Ha: There is a high prevalence of hypertension among the elderly in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance 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.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study will focus on the knowledge of causes and management of hypertension among elderly patients. The study covers on the elderly within age 45-70 years and above. Empirically, the study will explore the prevalence of hypertension among the elderly in Ajah, Lagos State, the causes the hypertension among the elderly in Ajah, Lagos State, and the preventive measures of hypertension among the elderly in Ajah, Lagos State This study will be delimited to Ajah, Lagos State.

1.8 Limitation 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.

1.9 Definition 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.

Hypertension: blood pressure that is higher than normal.

1.10 Organization of the Studies

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the  review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study,  sample size determination,  sample size, and selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.