Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice, and factors influencing the management of hypertension among healthcare workers in primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 89 healthcare workers selected via multi-stage sampling from PHCs in Sokoto metropolis. Data were collected in June 2023 using a structured, self-administered questionnaire administered via Open Data Kit (ODK). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed for analysis using SPSS version 25.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 31.71 ± 8.47 years. The majority (75.3%) had good overall knowledge of hypertension, with 85.4% demonstrating good knowledge of diagnosis and 94.3% aware of hypertension symptoms. However, only 55.1% had received training on hypertension management, and those with training had significantly higher knowledge levels (87.8%, p = 0.003). Despite good knowledge, 61% of respondents had poor practice in hypertension management, particularly in drug treatment (60.7%). Key barriers included lack of training (44.9%), limited resources, and inadequate adherence to treatment guidelines. Significant associations were observed between good practice and marital status (p = 0.043) and training (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: While healthcare workers in Sokoto metropolis demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension, their practice in managing the condition was suboptimal. Training, improved access to resources, and adherence to guidelines are critical to enhancing hypertension management in PHCs. Targeted interventions addressing these gaps are essential to improve patient outcomes.

Key words: Hypertension, knowledge, practice, primary healthcare, Sokoto metropolis