Background of the Study
Hypertension, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), remains a significant health challenge in both developed and developing countries. In Nigeria, the prevalence of hypertension has been rising, with the National Cardiovascular Disease Policy revealing that one in three Nigerian adults are hypertensive (Nwankwo et al., 2023). Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it frequently progresses without obvious symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and increased complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease (Akinmoladun et al., 2024). While medication plays a key role in managing hypertension, addressing lifestyle factors, particularly stress, is critical for optimal patient outcomes (Ogbonna et al., 2023).
Cardiac nurses, due to their specialized training, are pivotal in the management of hypertension. They are not only responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs but also for providing education, counseling, and promoting lifestyle changes (Omoruyi & Oladele, 2025). Stress management has been identified as an important component of hypertensive care, as stress contributes significantly to the elevation of blood pressure, making effective management strategies crucial (Sulaimon et al., 2024). Nurses in Kogi State, like their counterparts in other regions, face challenges in addressing stress-related hypertension due to inadequate resources, lack of formal training in stress management techniques, and cultural barriers affecting patient compliance (Babalola, 2023). Consequently, this study seeks to assess the role of cardiac nurses in stress management for hypertensive patients in Kogi State, exploring the strategies they employ, the challenges they face, and the impact of their interventions on patients’ health outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Hypertension remains a leading health issue in Kogi State, and stress is recognized as one of the primary contributors to the condition's progression. Despite advances in pharmacological treatment, stress management is often overlooked in the clinical setting, leading to inadequate hypertension control. Cardiac nurses, though trained to manage cardiovascular conditions, may not have sufficient support or specialized training to address stress management effectively. Additionally, patients in Kogi State may not receive adequate counseling on stress reduction due to various barriers, including cultural stigmas, lack of community awareness, and limited resources. This study intends to investigate the extent to which cardiac nurses in Kogi State are involved in stress management, the effectiveness of their interventions, and the challenges they encounter. Understanding these dynamics is critical to improving patient care and reducing the burden of hypertension in the region.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the role of cardiac nurses in stress management for hypertensive patients in Kogi State.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of stress management interventions provided by cardiac nurses on hypertensive patients’ health outcomes.
3. To identify the challenges faced by cardiac nurses in implementing stress management strategies for hypertensive patients in Kogi State.
Research Questions
1. What role do cardiac nurses play in stress management for hypertensive patients in Kogi State?
2. How effective are the stress management strategies employed by cardiac nurses in improving hypertensive patients' health outcomes?
3. What are the challenges faced by cardiac nurses in managing stress among hypertensive patients in Kogi State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Cardiac nurses play a significant role in stress management for hypertensive patients in Kogi State.
2. The stress management interventions employed by cardiac nurses significantly improve hypertensive patients' health outcomes in Kogi State.
3. There are significant challenges faced by cardiac nurses in the implementation of stress management strategies for hypertensive patients in Kogi State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on cardiac nurses working in both public and private healthcare facilities in Kogi State. The research will include a sample of hypertensive patients receiving care in these institutions. The study will be limited to the assessment of stress management strategies employed by nurses and will not extend to other health professionals involved in hypertension care. The study's findings may be limited by the sample size, as not all nurses in Kogi State may be accessible, and the study will also be constrained by time and resource limitations.
Definitions of Terms
• Cardiac Nurses: Nurses who specialize in the care and management of patients with cardiovascular conditions.
• Hypertension: A medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
• Stress Management: A range of techniques and therapies used to control an individual’s stress level, which is particularly important for hypertensive patients.
• Kogi State: A state in Nigeria located in the central region, known for its diverse culture and healthcare challenges.
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