Expectations of hypertensive patients attending the GOPC of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive patients’ expectations are a major determinant of treatment outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine the pattern of expectations of hypertensive patients as a basis for modification of the care given to them.

Methodology: This was a descriptive hospital study involving 260 hypertensive patients aged above 20 years, randomly selected. Study participants were engaged in patient-centred consultation during each visit. Their socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while the expectations of the hypertensive patients were also assessed. Their blood pressure was measured on three (3) occasions at two-monthly intervals. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and data were presented in tables.

Results: The majority of the respondents (161, 61.9%) were females while the males numbered 99 (38.1%). Most (219) of the respondents were older than 40 years and had some form of education. The majority of the respondents needed information on hypertension (85.3%), expected that the hypertensive medication they would be given wouldlower their blood pressure (88.5%), and expected a cure of their hypertension (70.4%). There were some respondents who did not have any expectations.

Conclusion: Hypertensive patients have varying illness expectations that can be explored using the patient-centred consultation strategy to improve treatment outcomes.