Knowledge of Hypertension and Its Preventive Measures as Wellness Promotion Among Public Secondary School Teachers in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess knowledge of public secondary school teachers on hypertensions and its preventive measures in Abak Local Government Area (LGA), Akwa Ibom State. The teachers’ knowledge was specifically assessed on predisposing factors, signs/symptoms, preventive measures and complications. Five research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted. Population for the study comprised 437 teachers; of which 160 (36%) were selected as sample through purposive sampling technique. A researcher constructed instrument was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to answer research questions and Chi square to test hypotheses at .05 significance levels. Findings revealed that teachers in Abak were knowledgeable about hypertension; the teachers’ gender did not significantly influence their knowledge of hypertension. It was concluded that public secondary school teachers in Abak LGA were knowledgeable about hypertension and its preventive measures. Intensive health education campaign was recommended to increase people’s awareness on hypertension and its preventive measures to promote wellness.