A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Educational Programme on Knowledge and Self-Care Practices Regarding Hypertension among Patients Attending the Medical Outpatient Department of a Selected Hospital at Bagalkot

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a common chronic cardiovascular condition and an important modifiable risk factor for stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and premature mortality. Because hypertension is frequently asymptomatic, patients may have limited awareness of the condition and may not consistently follow recommended treatment and self-care practices. Patient education delivered by nurses can strengthen understanding of the disease and support adherence to medication, dietary modification, physical activity, blood pressure monitoring, and prevention of complications.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational programme on knowledge and self-care practices regarding hypertension among patients attending the Medical Outpatient Department of a selected hospital in Bagalkot, Karnataka.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the pre-test level of knowledge and self-care practices regarding hypertension; evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational programme on knowledge and self-care practices; and determine the association between pre-test knowledge and self-care practices and selected demographic and clinical variables.

Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design was adopted. Sixty patients diagnosed with hypertension and attending the Medical Outpatient Department of a selected hospital in Bagalkot were included using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a self-care practice assessment scale. After the pre-test, participants received a nurse-led educational programme addressing the nature of hypertension, risk factors, medication adherence, dietary modification, physical activity, weight management, stress reduction, blood pressure monitoring, and prevention of complications. A post-test was conducted after the predetermined period. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.

Results: Before the intervention, 36 participants (60.0%) had inadequate knowledge, 20 (33.3%) had moderately adequate knowledge, and 4 (6.7%) had adequate knowledge. After the programme, the corresponding proportions were 4 (6.7%), 18 (30.0%), and 38 (63.3%). For self-care practices, 34 participants (56.7%) had poor practices, 22 (36.7%) had moderate practices, and 4 (6.7%) had good practices before the intervention. After the programme, 5 (8.3%) had poor practices, 19 (31.7%) had moderate practices, and 36 (60.0%) had good practices. The mean knowledge score increased from 11.24 ± 3.18 to 18.62 ± 2.41, a mean difference of 7.38. The mean self-care practice score increased from 38.45 ± 6.72 to 52.36 ± 5.84 (mean difference = 13.91). The reported t values were 15.42 for knowledge and 13.86 for self-care practices, with p < 0.001 for both outcomes.

Conclusion: The study findings indicate that the nurse-led educational programme was effective in improving knowledge and self-care practices regarding hypertension among the study participants. Systematic nursing education may therefore be incorporated into routine outpatient care to strengthen patient participation in long-term hypertension management and support prevention of complications.