Effect of on-site behavioural modification intervention on lifestyle risk factors of hypertension among adult market traders in Abakaliki, Nigeria

The rising prevalence of hypertension in developing countries has been attributed to changing lifestyle and exposure to modifiable risks. Interventions that particularly target high risk sub-population groups such as informal sector workers are underexplored. This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of on-site behavioural modification intervention on modifiable risk factors for hypertension among market traders in a metropolitan city. A non-randomized intervention study with control arm was conducted among market traders. A lifestyle/behavioural modification programme consisting of on-site health education on prevention, early detection and control of hypertension through increased physical activity, and dietary adjustment was adapted and implemented. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 379 traders that were selected through systematic random sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed at 95% confidence interval. There was statistically significant difference in proportion of participants with adequate physical activity in intervention group compared to control group (p < 0.001). Among intervention group participants, there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion with adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables (p<0.001); significant decreases in the proportion with excessive alcohol consumption/binge drinking (p<0.001), and proportion with ≥2 risky behaviours for hypertension (p<0.001). Age and sex were predictors of ≥2 risky behaviours for hypertension. Lifestyle modification programme was effective in reducing risky behaviours that predispose traders to hypertension, and it should be promoted within large markets.