The Impact of Dietary Counseling by Cardiac Nurses on Cholesterol Levels Among Cardiac Patients in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain one of the most prevalent and significant causes of death globally. In Nigeria, CVDs, particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and dyslipidemia, account for a substantial proportion of mortality and morbidity (Akinmoladun et al., 2024). Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), are a major risk factor for CVDs, leading to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications (Chukwu et al., 2024). The management of elevated cholesterol is critical in reducing the risk of adverse cardiac events and improving long-term health outcomes for cardiac patients (Oboh et al., 2023).
While pharmacological interventions such as statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol, dietary modifications play an equally important role in cholesterol management and overall heart health (Kondapally et al., 2023). Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of a heart-healthy diet, including the reduction of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol intake, along with an increase in dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids (Williams et al., 2024). Cardiac nurses, who play a central role in patient education and lifestyle counseling, are ideally positioned to deliver dietary counseling to cardiac patients. Through personalized dietary guidance, nurses can help patients understand the importance of nutrition in managing their cholesterol levels and overall cardiac health (Evans et al., 2024).
In Nigeria, the role of nurses in providing dietary counseling remains underexplored, particularly in the context of cardiac care. Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), as a tertiary healthcare institution, provides an excellent setting to assess the effectiveness of dietary counseling by cardiac nurses on the cholesterol levels of patients diagnosed with various cardiovascular conditions. As the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia continues to rise in Nigeria, there is an urgent need for evidence-based interventions that can improve cholesterol management at the community and hospital levels (Nwachukwu et al., 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the availability of effective pharmacological treatments for elevated cholesterol, the lack of patient education on the role of diet in cholesterol management remains a critical gap in the care of cardiac patients in Nigeria (Adewale et al., 2023). In Jos University Teaching Hospital, although routine cholesterol management is provided, the specific impact of dietary counseling by cardiac nurses on improving cholesterol levels has not been adequately studied. Many patients may not fully understand the significance of diet in managing their cholesterol levels, which could contribute to suboptimal outcomes in their treatment plans.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of dietary counseling by nurses as a sustainable and scalable intervention in Nigerian hospitals has not been sufficiently documented. A comprehensive approach that includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as dietary counseling, could enhance patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of heart disease and its complications in Nigeria. Without evidence supporting the role of dietary counseling in this context, there may be missed opportunities to improve patient care and reduce the burden of CVDs in Nigeria.
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the impact of dietary counseling by cardiac nurses on the cholesterol levels of cardiac patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State.
- To assess patients' knowledge and attitudes toward dietary changes for cholesterol management following dietary counseling by cardiac nurses.
- To identify the challenges faced by cardiac nurses in providing effective dietary counseling to patients.
Research Questions
- What is the impact of dietary counseling by cardiac nurses on the cholesterol levels of cardiac patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital?
- How does dietary counseling by cardiac nurses influence patients' knowledge and attitudes toward dietary changes for cholesterol management?
- What are the challenges faced by cardiac nurses in providing dietary counseling to cardiac patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
- Dietary counseling by cardiac nurses significantly reduces cholesterol levels among cardiac patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital.
- Dietary counseling by cardiac nurses improves patients' knowledge and attitudes toward dietary modifications for cholesterol management.
- Cardiac nurses face significant challenges in providing dietary counseling to patients with elevated cholesterol in Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study will be limited to cardiac patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, who are receiving treatment for elevated cholesterol levels or related cardiovascular conditions. The research will involve both qualitative and quantitative methods, including pre- and post-counseling cholesterol measurements and surveys on patient knowledge and attitudes toward diet.
The limitations of the study include the possibility of limited generalizability to other hospitals in Nigeria due to regional differences in patient populations and healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, there may be challenges in measuring the long-term effects of dietary counseling on cholesterol levels, as patients may not adhere consistently to recommended dietary changes.
Definitions of Terms
- Dietary Counseling: The provision of personalized guidance on nutrition and dietary modifications to improve health outcomes, such as cholesterol management.
- Cholesterol Levels: The concentration of cholesterol in the blood, with particular focus on LDL cholesterol, which is considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Cardiac Nurses: Registered nurses specialized in caring for patients with cardiovascular diseases, including providing education, counseling, and support for lifestyle modifications.
Related Project Materials
The Impact of Fiscal Policy Changes on Housing Market Dynamics in Nigeria
Background of the Study
Housing market dynamics are significantly influenced by fiscal policies, which determine the afford...
GOVERNMENTAL AND ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OF FEMALE WORKERS IN INDUSTRIES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT viii The protection of workers generally against health and safety hazards at work environments has been emphasised adequately in Internat...
The impact of user-generated content on digital community building: An evaluation of a lifestyle brand in Kano, Nigeria
Background of the study:
User-generated content (UGC) has become a cornerstone in fostering digital communities, especially for lifestyle...
Investigation into IoT-Based Smart Door Lock Systems in University Hostels: A Case Study in Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State
Background of the Study :
Ensuring secure access to university hostels is a critical aspect of campus safety, yet many inst...
An appraisal of the linguistic landscape of road signs and billboards in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Ogun State.
Background of the Study:
The linguistic landscape—public displays such as road signs and billboards&...
COSTUMING AN ABSURD PLAY: CASE STUDY OF SAMUEL BECKETT’S WAITING FOR GODOT
1 Background to the Study
This work attempts to throw more light on costuming an absurd play using Samuel Beckett&...
An Assessment of Online Authentication System Enhancements on Securing Digital Transactions in Banking: A Case Study of Citibank Nigeria
Background of the Study
As banking services increasingly shift to digital channels, robust online authentication is critica...
Exploring the Impact of Past Infrastructure Projects on Regional Economic Disparities in Nigeria
Background of the Study
Infrastructure development has long been a key driver of economic growth and regional integration i...
DEVELOPMENT OF A FRAMEWORK FOR BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES OF SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA
Statement of the Problem
Arayici, Khosrowshahi, Ponting and Mihindu (2009) described Building Information Modeling as lifecycle evaluatio...
An Investigation of IoT-Based Smart Pipeline Leak Detection in University Campuses in Gombe LGA, Gombe State
Background of the study:
University campuses require efficient utility management systems to maintain safe, conducive envir...
