Abstract:
Hypertension has become a significant public health concern in developing
countries due to its increasing prevalence and harmful effects on clients with
hypertension. The study assessed the effects of educational intervention on
patients’ knowledge on hypertension, beliefs, and adherence to therapy. The study
used the quasi-experimental design. Stratified sampling technique was used to
select 217 respondents who attended hypertension clinic at Kade Government
Hospital in the Kwaebibirem Municipality from January to April 2023. The data
collection instruments used were Magadza et al.’s tool on hypertension, Horne et
al.’s tool on beliefs about medication, Zyoud et al.’s tool on medication adherence
and education intervention tool based on WHO’s Diagnosis and Management for
Patients with hypertension. Data were processed using the Statistical Package for
the Social Sciences Version 25. Demographic data were analysed using
descriptive statistics. Paired T-tests and McNemar-Bowker for dependent samples
were performed to compare the participants’ levels of knowledge about
hypertension and its therapy, beliefs about medicines, and levels of adherence to
antihypertensive therapy before and after the educational intervention. There was
significant increase in the patients’ levels of knowledge about hypertension
(P<.001), beliefs about medicines were significantly modified in a positive
manner (P<.001), and a significant (p<0.001) difference in adherence scores
before and after the educational intervention. The results of this study indicate a
deliberate educational intervention has a positive effect on knowledge, belief and
adherence. Health education should be organized regularly to improve knowledge
and adherence among patient living with hypertension.
