Management Practices for the Care of Patients with Hypertension in the Blantyre District of Malawi: A quantitative cross-sectional design DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v38i2.9

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a global public health problem, requiring a holistic management approach of drug therapy and lifestyle modifications to achieve better treatment outcomes. The study aimed to assess the current management practices amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) managing patients with hypertension (HTN) in Malawi’s Blantyre district.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design using a self-administered questionnaire with sections for socio-demographics, statements about management practices, and HCPs' habits in promoting lifestyle modification was used. Data was analysed using STATA version 14.2. Descriptive statistics were employed, and socio-demographic characteristics are presented using frequencies and percentages. The associations between categorical variables were tested using the Chi-square test at an alpha level of 0.05.

Results: Sixty-seven HCPs, 37 females (55.2%) and 30 males (44.8%) participated in the study, with the majority (n = 42 [62.7%]) aged between 25- 34, with a statistically significant relationship between gender and the profession (p=0.012). Nearly half (n=33 [49.3%]) had a diploma. Almost 50% (n = 32) had less than 5 years of work experience. Most (n=46 [69.7%]) reported challenges in diagnosing HTN, and a lack of treatment guidelines (n=36 [59%]). Dietary counselling was provided by 90.8% (n = 59) of the HCPs.

Conclusion: Healthcare professionals reported several challenges in the management of hypertension in Malawi’s Blantyre district, including a lack of treatment guidelines, inconsistencies in implementing lifestyle change strategies and knowledge gaps in the management of HTN.

Clinical implications: There is a need to equip healthcare professionals involved in HTN management with knowledge about the disease and the importance of lifestyle modification strategies. Also, the HTN-specific treatment guidelines should be available in all health facilities in the district.