The effect of structured counselling on lifestyle modification measures among adult pre-hypertensive patients in a tertiary hospital in north central Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The study was undertaken to determine the effect of structured counseling on lifestyle modification measures among adult pre-hypertensive patients.

Methods: The study was a randomized controlled study involving pre-hypertensive adults aged 20 years and above presenting in GOPC of JUTH. Participants were consecutively selected and randomized to an intervention group that was offered structured counselling on lifestyle modification and a control group that was offered routine advice only. Participants were followed up monthly for twelve weeks and adherence to lifestyle modification measures noted. The proportion of observed changes were analysed using chi square and Fischer's exact tests. Data was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant in all analyses.

Results: Changes in lifestyle measures was notably more among the intervention group, especially in the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables and aerobic exercise.

Conclusion: There is a better adherence to lifestyle measures with a more structured counselling.

Keywords: Structured counselling, General advice, Lifestyle modification