Evaluation of the Role of Nigerian Pharmacists in Promoting Lifestyle Modification in Prevention and Control of Hypertension
Keywords:
Hypertension, pharmacist, counseling, education, healthy lifestyleAbstract
Background: Hypertension is one of the most prevalent non-communicable conditions worldwide and currently a global medical and public health issue. A public health approach to the prevention and control of hypertension needs to be adopted, one that promotes healthy dietary habits, a tobacco-free lifestyle, regular physical activity and a supportive psychosocial environment. Pharmacists and other health care professionals will play a vital role in the promotion and success of this approach, because they interact on a regular basis with a large proportion of the population and are well placed to counsel individual patients. The objective of this study was to document the role of Nigerian pharmacists in promoting lifestyle modification in the prevention and control hypertension.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study conducted during the Annual National Conference of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (2013) in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 370 Community and Hospital Pharmacists. Descriptive data was presented in the form of frequency and percentages. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi square test and a p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Three hundred and fifty questionnaires were completed giving a response rate of 94.6%. The respondents (60.3 %) performed blood pressure screening and monitoring in their practice setting while 52.9 % educate and counsel patients on life style modification. There was a significant association between Pharmacist’s educational qualifications and the provision of blood pressure screening and monitoring services (P=0.000) but none with patients education about life style modification (P=0.272). The Pharmacist’s area of practice was found to be significantly associated with the provision of patients education and counseling (P=0.000).
Conclusion: Nigerian Pharmacists educate and counsel their patients on healthy dietary habits, dietary salt restriction, healthy body weight, regular physical activity and reduction in alcohol consumption. They also provide blood pressure screening and monitoring services to their patients.
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