Effect Of Nurse-Led Educational Intervention On Lifestyle Modification For Hypertension Prevention Among Adults In Selected Communities In Oyo State: Quasi- Experimental Study

ABSTRACTHypertension prevention requires adoption of healthy lifestyle practices. However, inadequate knowledge and unhealthy behaviours remain common among adults. Nurse-led health education may provide a practical approach to promoting lifestyle modification at the community level. This study assessed the effect of a nurse-led educational intervention on lifestyle modification for hypertension prevention among adults in selected communities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. A one-group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental design was used among 288 adults aged 18 years and above in selected communities in Ogbomoso. Participants received a six-week nurse-led educational intervention addressing dietary practices, physical activity, stress management, substance use, and other lifestyle factors relevant to hypertension prevention. Data were collected before and after the intervention using structured questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-test at a 5% level of significance. The results showed that good knowledge increased from 33.2% pre-intervention to 69.7% post- intervention, while positive attitude increased from 38.4% to 64.5%. The proportion of respondents classified as having modified lifestyle practices increased from 32.4% to 72.9%. Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-intervention scores for knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle modification (p < 0.001). The nurse-led educational intervention was associated with significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle modification practices among adults in the selected communities. Regular nurse-led health education and follow-up reinforcement may beuseful for promoting healthy lifestyle practices relevant to hypertension prevention and control.