Background of the Study
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are leading causes of death globally, including in Nigeria (Ogunleye & Bello, 2024). The management of hypertension often includes lifestyle modifications, particularly dietary changes, which have been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure and improve overall health outcomes. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a key role in educating patients about proper nutrition to manage and prevent hypertension (Ibrahim & Adekunle, 2023).
At Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, there is a growing recognition of the importance of nutrition education for hypertensive patients, as poor dietary habits exacerbate the condition. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of nutrition education provided by nurses on the dietary habits of hypertensive patients. This study aims to assess how nurses’ nutrition education impacts the dietary habits and, consequently, the management of hypertension among patients at the facility.
Statement of the Problem
Hypertension is a leading health concern in Nigeria, and dietary habits are a significant factor in its management (Adebayo & Musa, 2023). Although hypertension treatment includes pharmacological management, dietary changes are critical for reducing the risk of complications such as stroke and heart attack. Nurses are pivotal in providing dietary counseling, but there is insufficient research on how their nutrition education influences the dietary habits of hypertensive patients. At Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, patients may not always follow dietary recommendations, which could be due to inadequate or ineffective nutrition education.
This study seeks to evaluate the impact of nurses’ nutrition education on the dietary habits of hypertensive patients and determine whether better dietary practices can improve patient health outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of nurses’ nutrition education on the dietary habits of hypertensive patients at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe.
2. To identify the challenges faced by nurses in providing nutrition education to hypertensive patients.
3. To recommend strategies for improving the effectiveness of nutrition education in managing hypertension.
Research Questions
1. How does nurses’ nutrition education impact the dietary habits of hypertensive patients at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe?
2. What are the challenges nurses face in educating hypertensive patients on proper nutrition?
3. How can the effectiveness of nutrition education be improved in the management of hypertension?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses’ nutrition education positively impacts the dietary habits of hypertensive patients at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe.
2. Lack of resources and time constraints hinder the effectiveness of nurses’ nutrition education.
3. Providing more tailored and culturally appropriate nutrition education improves dietary adherence among hypertensive patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on hypertensive patients at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, and the role of nurses in providing nutrition education. It does not include patients from other hospitals or those with other chronic conditions. Limitations may include recall bias and difficulty measuring dietary changes accurately.
Definitions of Terms
• Hypertension: A condition characterized by high blood pressure that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Nutrition Education: Information and guidance provided to patients about dietary changes to manage health conditions, particularly hypertension.
• Dietary Habits: The regular patterns and choices related to food intake.
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