Effect of Enabling Factors on Blood Pressure Control: A Community-Based Study among Nigerian Seniors in Selected Local Government Areas in Ogun State Nigeria

Abstract:

Hypertension is a prevalent global health issue, particularly among seniors, contributing to severe health complications such as stroke and heart failure. Despite the availability of effective management strategies, poor adherence to treatment regimens remains a significant challenge. This study investigated the effects of enabling and reinforcing factors on blood pressure control among Nigerian seniors aged 60 years and above. The primary objective was to determine enabling factors on blood pressure control among Nigerian seniors in selected local government areas in Ogun State A quasi-experimental design was employed in Abeokuta South and Ikenne Local Government Areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. Fifty hypertensive seniors were randomly assigned to experimental (n=25) and control (n=25) groups. The 13-week intervention comprised peer education sessions, health talks, and personalized counselling delivered every four weeks. Descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests, and Cohen’s d were employed for data analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. Findings revealed significant improvements in enabling factors on blood pressure control among Nigerian seniors in selected local government areas in Ogun State. The enabling factor score for the experimental group increased (M = 13.64, SD = 1.19) compared to the control group (M = 2.48 ± 3.18) Conclusively, peer education and counselling interventions significantly enhance enabling factors of blood pressure control among Nigerian seniors. It is recommended that community-based health programs incorporate peer-led strategies to improve adherence behaviours. Policymakers should consider integrating such interventions into national healthcare strategies, with emphasis on training peer educators and enhancing healthcare access in underserved communities.