The understanding of newly diagnosed patients with hypertension (from 2years and below) at Holy Family Hospital, Berekum

Abstract

The study focused on the understanding of newly diagnosed patients with hypertension (from 2years and below) at holy family hospital, Berekum. The study has three main set objectives; to identify the general knowledge newly diagnosed hypertensive patients have on hypertension, to find out causes and predisposing factors on hypertension and to explore the extent to which patients at Holy Family Hospital, Berekum understand the pharmacological and non pharmacological management of hypertension. Simple random sampling was used in the selection of patients to participate in the study. In all, 50 people were selected from the hypertensive clinic of Holy Family Hospital, Berekum for this study. The data for the study was collected by administering the questionnaire to the participants.The respondents knowledge were assessed on hypertension, it came out clearly that they have fair knowledge on their condition (hypertension) as they were able to give fair information regarding causes (too much stress /overthinking ,more salt intake or spicy foods),they will report to the facility within month or two( 68%) they have adequate signs and symptoms like migraine ,palpitations just to mention a few though reasonable number did not show no sign or symptom this might be as a result of being new clients or the disease in question (hypertension). From the research, it came clearly that they adhere to the drug as prescribed by their doctors once daily or twice daily pertaining to newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. At the same time the effectiveness of the drug were very effective hovering around 96%. Some side effects were well known among respondents (headache, feeling weak, general feeling of unwell) (92%). Notwithstanding, there were some challenges ranging from forgetfulness which affects the interval of drug taking leading to skips of dosage and finally some are not able to tolerate some side effects of the drugThe study recommend that, The facility‟s method of managing hypertensive patient is recommendable in worth in relating it to other facilities, they should stress more on drug regimen and also further research should be done using clients less than 6 months as to know how newly diagnosed hypertensive patient can be managed properly. The study concluded that respondents have fair knowledge on hypertension. The overall stated causes of hypertension, drugs as well as side effects stated by respondents were in line with the ones stated in the literature.