Beliefs And Perceptions Of Hypertensive Patients Regarding Socio-Cultural Factors On Blood Pressure Control In Two Rural Communities Of Ekiti State
1Afe-Babalola university Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-state.
2Afe Babalola University
3Obafemi Awolowo University
4Federal University Oye Ekiti
5University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
6University of Calabar
7Federal Medical Center, Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Introduction: Achieving optimal blood pressure control remains a challenge, especially in rural setting and could be due to sociocultural factors influencing patient's beliefs and biomedical understanding of blood pressure control. Hence, this study explored hypertensive patient's beliefs and perceptions regarding blood pressure control in two rural communities of Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study explored four focus group discussions with open ended questions on 16 hypertensive patients who were purposively recruited. All the conversations were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.
Results: The only theme was participants' perceptions of sociocultural factors influencing their blood pressure and five sub-themes including access to healthcare services, health literacy, dietary and lifestyle behaviors, medication adherence, family and social support. Majority of participants claimed they have unlimited access to healthcare facility, could read the information on hypertension, and were aware of dietary food for optimal blood pressure but cost, long waiting time, unavailability of drugs at healthcare facility, lack of information and certain cultural practices and traditional food during social events were barriers to achieving optimal blood pressure.
Conclusion: Misconceptions of certain sociocultural factors were influencing management of hypertension in rural communities of Ekiti State. Therefore, it is important to institute measures to overcome these misconceptions and barriers and facilitate consistent adherence to biomedical treatment to improve blood pressure control.
Data Availability
The datasets for this study would be made available from the correspondence author on a reasonable request
Author Biographies
Olagoke ERINOMO
Afe Babalola University
Department of Pathology
Gbadebo Oladimeji AJANI
Afe Babalola University
Department of Medicine
Ibrahim Sebutu BELLO
Obafemi Awolowo University
Department of Family Medicine
Ayodele Kamaldeen ALABI
Afe Babalola University
Department of Community Medicine
Oluwafunmilayo Adenike OGUNTOYE
Afe Babalola University
Department of Medicine
Olanrewaju Olawale MUSBAU
Federal University Oye Ekiti
Department of Community Medicine
Kayode Rasaq ADEWOYE
Afe Babalola University
Department of Community Medicine
Felix Archibong
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
Department of Family Medicine
Afiong Oboko OKU
University of Calabar
Department of Community Medicine
Ndifreke UDONWA
University of Calabar
Department of Family Medicine
Omotayo Folorunsho AFOLAYAN
Federal Medical Center, Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Department of Family Medicine
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Published in Vol. 9 No. 1: African Journal of Tropical Medicine and Biomedical Research, July 2026
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