Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of hypertension is increasing in Nepal. Thus, there is a need for a programme to improve primary healthcare. One possibility is to assign prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension to female community health volunteers (FCHVs).ObjectiveTo assess literacy and motivation to be involved in a hypertension prevention and control programme in Nepal among FCHVs.DesignFive focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a total of 69 FCHVs in Lekhnath municipality, Kaski district, Nepal. Seven themes were developed on the basis of data collection: 1) knowledge about hypertension; 2) risk factors of hypertension; 3) prevention and control of hypertension; 4) access to treatment for hypertension in the community; 5) learning about blood pressure measurement; 6) ability to raise blood pressure awareness in the community; 7) possible challenges for their future involvement. Data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach.ResultsFCHVs have some knowledge about diagnosis, risk factors, and complications of hypertension. General unanimity was observed in the understanding that hypertension and risk factors needed to be addressed. The willingness of FCHVs to contribute to prevention, control, and management was strong, and they were confident that with some basic training they could obtain skills in hypertension management.ConclusionsDespite limited knowledge about hypertension, FCHVs expressed willingness and readiness to be trained in hypertension management. This study supports the possibility of involving FCHVs in prevention and control of hypertension in Nepal.
Highlights
The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in Nepal
Theme 1: knowledge about hypertension Most female community health volunteers (FCHVs) referred to hypertension as high blood pressure (HBP) Á ‘uchcha raktachaap’ in local language Á and mentioned it alongside low blood pressure (LBP), which they considered an important community health problem, too
One FCHV said: I hear a lot about the measurement of hypertension using terms like 120/80, 120/70 and so on, I do not understand what exactly it refers to
Summary
The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in Nepal. there is a need for a programme to improve primary healthcare. One possibility is to assign prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension to female community health volunteers (FCHVs). Seven themes were developed on the basis of data collection: 1) knowledge about hypertension; 2) risk factors of hypertension; 3) prevention and control of hypertension; 4) access to treatment for hypertension in the community; 5) learning about blood pressure measurement; 6) ability to raise blood pressure awareness in the community; 7) possible challenges for their future involvement. Results: FCHVs have some knowledge about diagnosis, risk factors, and complications of hypertension. General unanimity was observed in the understanding that hypertension and risk factors needed to be addressed. This study supports the possibility of involving FCHVs in prevention and control of hypertension in Nepal
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