Perception and Hypertension Prevention Practices of Teachers in selected Secondary Schools in Sagamu Local Government Area Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Prevention of Hypertension is important for reducing the high prevalence and incidence of Hypertension and can help reduce resultant morbidities and consequences of cardiovascular disorders. This study assessed the perception of teachers on hypertension prevention in selected secondary schools in Sagamu Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 418 respondents for the study. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data collected at ≤0.05 level of significance. The respondents had a mean age of 42.61±7.79 years, with 313 (74.9%) of them having a bachelor’s degree. The respondents’ perception of hypertension prevention measured on a 72-point rating scale showed that the respondents had a mean score of 47.10±8.48. Most 225(53.8%) of the respondents had a moderate perception of hypertension prevention. The respondents’ hypertension prevention practices measured on a 24-point rating scale showed that the respondents had a mean score of 15.34±4.95. Less than half 184(44.0%) of the respondents had moderate hypertension prevention practices. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between respondents’ perception and their hypertension prevention practice. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents had moderate perception of Hypertension and moderate prevention practices of Hypertension. It is recommended that the state ministry of education through the state ministry of health should conduct health education and promotion programs among teachers to change their perception of hypertension prevention which will, in turn, influence their prevention practices.