Provider Perceptions about Hypertension: A Mixed Methods Study in Zambia

Abstract

Hypertension is the most significant contributor to premature death globally. As embedded providers, nurses have valuable insight on how to improve hypertension outcomes. A sequential mixed-method study was conducted in Zambia to explore provider perceptions of hypertension care and develop contextually relevant education for nurses. The Zambian and US nurse researchers interviewed 15 nurses and provided a hypertension education workshop. Thematic evaluation identified categories of infrastructure and belief & behaviors with a shared subcategory of medication. A statistically significant result was found in the health care providers knowledge and attitude toward hypertension, one of two pre and post-tests analysis (z = –2.17, p < 0.05, r = –.33) and (z = -.41, p =.67). Developing efficient and effective solutions to increase hypertension care must be made at the policy level and incorporate locally relevant information. Nurses, who have cultural and contextual expertise, are ideally situated to reach population health goals.