Exploring Awareness and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours for the Prevention of Hypertension in Rural Communities in Central Uganda

Namuguzi, Mary

Abstract

Abstract
Background
Globally, hypertension is a major risk factor for mortality and most deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of hypertension is highest in the rural communities of Central Uganda where awareness is lowest. There is limited evidence about the primary prevention of hypertension in Uganda, yet most of risk factors are preventable. This study aims to explore awareness and individual healthy lifestyle behaviours for the prevention of hypertension in rural communities of Central Uganda.
Methods
A sequential explanatory mixed methods research study was conducted. A multistage sampling technique was used to identify study sites and participants. A survey and focus group guide were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression models. Results are presented in frequencies, percentages, and Odds ratios (OR). The statistical analysis was carried out using Stata version 13. Qualitative data was analyzed using framework analysis and a narrative contiguous approach was used for data integration.
Results
Overall, 562 participants were included in the quantitative study, and of these 66.73% were female, 54.27% were aged 18-37 years, and only 7.12% had completed a tertiary level of education. Approximately 60% knew their hypertension status. Only 5% of participants were able to mention 3-4 types of foods that prevent hypertension. Bivariate analysis indicates that the risk of being hypertensive increases with one’s age; being educated to at least the primary level was found to be associated with a reduced risk of being hypertensive when compared to having no education at all; OR=0.48 (95% CI: 0.26-0.89) for primary, 0.20 (95% CI: 0.10-0.39) for secondary, and 0.33 (0.14-0.81) for tertiary level education. Not performing moderate physical intensity activities were found to have a significantly increased likelihood of being hypertensive compared to participants whose usual work involved moderate physical intensity (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.34-0.76). Moreover, the risk of acquiring hypertension reduces with the increasing number of hours of performing moderate intensity activities (3-4 hours OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41-0.90 ** and 5-10 hours OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.14-0.48 ***).
The qualitative study included 32 participants. Four themes emerged from the framework analysis: (i) socio-cultural issues related to hypertension, (ii) socio-economic factors related to hypertension, (iii) knowledge and perception about hypertension, and (iv) proposed interventions for the prevention of hypertension. The consumption of bitter berries, a family-centered care approach, and cultural practices for food preparation were perceived to be key in the prevention of hypertension.
Conclusion
The findings from this research have significant policy implications particularly targeted interventions focusing on a family-centered approach care for the prevention of hypertension in rural communities of Uganda and across low- and middle-income countries with similar settings. This study has uncovered traditional practices for the prevention of hypertension in the communities surveyed. A key example is the use of bitter berries in the prevention of hypertension. However, clinical trials are required to further examine the effectiveness of bitter berries in the regulation of blood pressure in the adult population.


Key words
Hypertension, healthy lifestyle behaviours, prevention
Key
* = p-value = ≤ 0.01 to ≤ 0.05
** = p-value = <0.01 to ≤ 0.009
*** = p-value = < 0.009

Citation

Namuguzi, M. (2024). Exploring Awareness and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours for the Prevention of Hypertension in Rural Communities in Central Uganda. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: May 28, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Award Date: May 31, 2024