KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HYPERTENSION ATTENDING OUT-PATIENT CLINIC IN A TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY, BENIN CITY.

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is an overwhelming global challenge. Appropriate lifestyle changes are the bedrock for the prevention of hypertension. They are also important for its treatment and should not replace drug therapy in patients at a high level of risk. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of hypertensive patients on life style modification to control hypertension at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). A descriptive cross sectional study design was used to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of hypertensive patients with respect to importance of lifestyle modification in the management of hypertension. 150 patients with hypertension were identified and interviewed using questionnaire. Out of the 150 participants, majority (56.7%) were males. 60.7% of participants admitted they had previous knowledge of lifestyle modification while 70.7% admitted that lifestyle modification was important in the control of blood pressure. 70.7% showed high level of practice of the healthy life study modification while 29.3% reported poor level of practice however 87.3% have positive attitude towards the condition, while 12.7% have negative attitude towards the disease.