Abstract
Background
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major public health issue globally, affecting approximately 1.13 billion people worldwide. It is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are responsible for a significant number of deaths annually. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the prevalence of hypertension is alarmingly high, with various studies indicating that a substantial portion of the adult population is affected. Effective management of hypertension requires comprehensive knowledge of the disease among healthcare providers. This study explores the knowledge of providers on the management of high blood pressure in the Boma Health Zone in 2024.
# Methods
A descriptive study was conducted among 443 healthcare providers (nurses) in first-level health centers in the Boma Health Zone. A non-probability sampling method was used due to practical constraints and the need to obtain specific expertise from a known population of healthcare providers. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire designed on SurveyCTO, which was installed on the Android phones of each investigator. This method ensured systematic and consistent data recording. Descriptive analyses were performed based on the nature and distribution of the variables to summarize the findings effectively.
Results
This study showed that the majority of providers do not know the risk factors, as well as the causes and symptoms of high blood pressure. Around three-quarters of providers know the blood pressure threshold. None of the providers are aware of the means of diagnosis. Almost all providers do not know the complications, the means of management, and the appropriate diet for managing high blood pressure. Overall, providers exhibited poor knowledge of high blood pressure.
Conclusions
Providers exhibited significant gaps in their knowledge about hypertension, a crucial health issue that requires proficient management to prevent severe complications. Strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers is not only imperative but also urgent. This involves continuous medical education, updated clinical guidelines, and accessible training programs.