Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke, are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. In Nigeria, CVDs have become a major public health concern, driven by risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and poor healthcare access (Adekunle et al., 2023). Given the increasing burden of CVDs, preventive strategies have become a key focus of healthcare systems, with primary healthcare (PHC) nurses playing a critical role in early detection, risk factor modification, and patient education.
PHC nurses are at the frontline of healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas where specialist care is limited. Their responsibilities in CVD prevention include screening for hypertension and diabetes, promoting lifestyle modifications, administering vaccines for infectious agents linked to cardiovascular complications, and educating the public on risk reduction strategies (Eze et al., 2024). Research has shown that nurse-led interventions in primary care settings significantly reduce the incidence of CVDs by improving health-seeking behavior and encouraging adherence to preventive measures (Okafor et al., 2023).
Despite the crucial role of PHC nurses, challenges such as inadequate staffing, lack of training, and limited healthcare resources hinder their effectiveness in CVD prevention. In Kwara State, where healthcare infrastructure varies across urban and rural areas, it is necessary to evaluate how PHC nurses contribute to CVD prevention and identify barriers to their effectiveness. This study aims to assess the role of PHC nurses in CVD prevention in Kwara State and explore opportunities for enhancing their impact.
Cardiovascular diseases continue to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with many cases remaining undiagnosed or poorly managed at the primary healthcare level. The role of PHC nurses in CVD prevention is crucial, yet their contributions are often underutilized due to systemic challenges, including inadequate training, insufficient medical supplies, and lack of structured preventive programs (Chukwu et al., 2023). Many patients present at healthcare facilities only when complications have arisen, rather than engaging in routine screening and early risk management.
While previous studies have highlighted the importance of PHC nurses in disease prevention, limited research has been conducted in Kwara State to evaluate their specific contributions to CVD prevention. Understanding their role, challenges, and effectiveness in delivering preventive care is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
This study will focus on PHC nurses working in health centers across Kwara State. It will assess their role in CVD prevention, the challenges they face, and the impact of their interventions on patient outcomes.
Limitations may include variations in healthcare facility resources, differences in nursing training, and limited access to patient follow-up data. Additionally, patient adherence to preventive recommendations may affect the overall impact of nurse-led interventions.
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