Assessing knowledge, attitude and practices of lifestyle modification among persons with hypertension in Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

Control of blood pressure is one of the major public health challenges. Uncontrolled blood pressure is linked to cardiovascular diseases. Adhering to lifestyle modification strategies would ensure adequate blood control and therefore reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to measure knowledge, attitude and practices amongst clients with hypertensive. The study also sought to determine barriers influencing the adherence to lifestyle modification strategies. A hospital based study was conducted in the Cape Coast Metropolis involving three hospitals namely Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital and University of Cape Coast Hospital. Among participants of the study, 85 (21.5%) were obese and 118 (29.8%) were overweight. Overall, 70.7% had good knowledge on hypertension. However only 32.8% had controlled blood pressure and the majority (67.2%) had uncontrolled blood pressure. Additionally 55.1% had adequate knowledge on lifestyle modification strategies. However only 17% had positive attitude towards lifestyle modification. It is therefore recommended that health care workers should motivate clients to adapt to lifestyle modification strategies.