Quality hypertension care: Barriers and drivers for implementation among primary health care staff

Abstract

Offering quality hypertension care remains a challenge in many Sub-Saharan regions including Nigeria where rates of hypertension continue to increase. Understanding factors affecting care can provide mechanisms for service improvement to promote better quality of care for hypertensives. Exploratory study using qualitative method of data collection was conducted among 17 clinical service staff in 15 Primary Health Care centres with at least 5 years of experience. Participants were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Data collected was coded and analysed using thematic analysis and SPSS version 22 to compute frequency distribution of sociodemographic characteristics. Most (64.7%) were female and 41.2% had up to 10 years of working experience and were Nurses (49%). This study revealed that participants are still faced with barriers that hinder them from delivering quality healthcare services which affects the implementation of quality hypertension care required in the primary health centre. However, participants identified strategies that can be used to address the barriers towards implementation of quality hypertension care. Despite the worrying prevalence of cases, offering quality hypertension care remains a challenge. There is need for increased attention at the grassroots for improved resources to aid positive service output.