An investigation of the role of school nurses in detecting early signs of hypertension in adolescents in Kaduna State
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Background of the Study
Hypertension, though commonly seen in adults, is increasingly recognized in adolescents as a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria (Ibrahim et al., 2023). The early onset of hypertension in adolescents can lead to long-term cardiovascular risks and other chronic conditions if not identified and managed promptly (Olugbenga et al., 2024). Adolescence is a critical developmental period, where lifestyle choices, including dietary habits, physical activity, and stress management, can significantly influence the onset of hypertension (Akinleye & Oyedepo, 2023). In Nigeria, and particularly in Kaduna State, there has been a notable increase in the prevalence of hypertension in this demographic due to factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and increased stress levels, often exacerbated by limited access to healthcare resources (Olaiya et al., 2024).
School nurses, who are uniquely positioned to monitor the health of children and adolescents, play a critical role in early detection of hypertension and in providing early interventions that can mitigate the progression of the condition (Adeniran & Adebayo, 2023). Given their direct interaction with students, school nurses can identify potential health concerns through routine screenings, such as blood pressure measurements, and can refer at-risk individuals for further medical evaluation (Olowookere et al., 2024). However, despite their potential impact, school nurses in Nigeria, including those in Kaduna State, face various challenges such as inadequate training, lack of resources, and limited access to healthcare facilities, which hinder their ability to effectively perform hypertension screenings and manage adolescent health concerns (Ismail et al., 2023).
The role of school nurses in detecting hypertension in adolescents is under-researched in Kaduna State, and there is a lack of systematic documentation regarding the practices, challenges, and outcomes associated with their involvement in early detection efforts. This study seeks to explore the roles and effectiveness of school nurses in identifying early signs of hypertension in adolescents, assess the challenges they face, and propose ways to enhance their contribution to the prevention and management of hypertension in this vulnerable group.
Statement of the Problem
Hypertension in adolescents is an emerging health problem in Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State, where the burden of chronic diseases is growing rapidly (Salami et al., 2023). School nurses are well-positioned to play a significant role in the early detection of hypertension, but there is limited evidence regarding their involvement in monitoring and identifying hypertension in adolescents. Additionally, the challenges faced by school nurses, including insufficient training and lack of equipment, have likely contributed to a gap in early diagnosis and intervention (Aliyu et al., 2025). Despite the potential for school nurses to act as a first line of defense against hypertension, their effectiveness remains poorly documented, and the lack of structured guidelines for hypertension detection in schools further complicates this issue. This study, therefore, investigates the role of school nurses in detecting early signs of hypertension in adolescents, aiming to provide insights into the barriers they face and the strategies needed to improve hypertension screening in schools.
Objectives of the Study
1. To investigate the role of school nurses in detecting early signs of hypertension in adolescents in Kaduna State.
2. To examine the challenges faced by school nurses in the detection and management of hypertension among adolescents.
3. To assess the effectiveness of current screening protocols for hypertension in schools in Kaduna State.
Research Questions
1. What is the role of school nurses in detecting early signs of hypertension in adolescents in Kaduna State?
2. What challenges do school nurses face in detecting hypertension in adolescents?
3. How effective are the current hypertension screening protocols in schools in Kaduna State?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant relationship between the involvement of school nurses in hypertension screening and early detection of hypertension in adolescents.
2. The lack of resources significantly hampers the ability of school nurses to detect hypertension in adolescents.
3. School nurses who receive specialized training in hypertension detection have higher success rates in identifying early signs of hypertension in adolescents.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on school nurses in Kaduna State, Nigeria, specifically evaluating their role in detecting hypertension among adolescents. The study will be limited to schools within the state, and the findings may not be generalizable to other regions of Nigeria. A limitation of the study may include potential biases in self-reported data, as well as time constraints that could affect the comprehensiveness of the sample.
Definitions of Terms
1. Hypertension: A condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure, which, if untreated, can lead to serious health complications.
2. School Nurses: Healthcare professionals responsible for providing medical care and health screenings in a school setting.
3. Adolescents: Individuals in the age group of 10 to 19 years, during which many physical and developmental changes occur.
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