HYPERTENSION

Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In Nigeria, poor self-carepractices remain a challenge, often influenced by sociocultural beliefs and determinants. As such, this study assessed the sociocultural determinants of self-care practices among patients with hypertension attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, EdoState. A Descriptive cross-sectional study was used in this study, of which data were collectedfrom 230 hypertensive patients through structured questionnaires. The result showed thatmajority of participants were female (53%) with a mean age of 49 years. With a high prevalence of senior secondary education (24%), majority were either retired or employed in the private sector, with an average monthly income of ₦83,258.24. In addition, adherence to medication (x.18) was high, whereas practices such as home blood pressure monitoring ( x= 2.46) and dietary management ( x2.45) showed moderate adherence. Furthermore, common socio- cultural factors sinfluencing self-care practices included high medication costs (x= 3.45), family support (x= 3.43), religious beliefs (x3.25), spiritual beliefs (x= 3.11), and pressure to adhere to cultural food customs which could affect dietary adherene (x= 3.10). Multivariate logistic regression further indicated that longer duration of hypertension significantly increased adherence odds (OR=8.606, 95% CI: 1.914–38.693, p=0.005) with rural residents (OR=2.164, 95% CI: 1.068–4.385, p=0.032) being more adherent. More so, perceived stigma increased the likelihood of adherence (OR=2.595, 95% CI: 1.065–148.987, p=0.044). Hence, the study recommended developing culturally sensitive programs to destigmatize hypertension and dispel misconceptions about traditional/spiritual practices in relation to treatment

Hypertension is a major global public health concern and the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite its preventable nature, awareness, perception, and control of hypertension remain suboptimal, especially among young adults in developing countries like Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of hypertension and its complications among young adults in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 316 respondents aged 18–35 years were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a structured and validated Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with results presented in frequency tables and percentages. Findings revealed that 26.3% of respondents had poor knowledge of hypertension, 48.1% demonstrated fair knowledge, while 25.6% had good knowledge. Although most respondents recognized key risk factors such as obesity, stress, and salt intake, misconceptions persisted regarding the curability of hypertension and its risk among young people. Perception of hypertension was generally moderate, influenced by factors such as education level, lifestyle habits, and family history.

The rising prevalence of Hypertension has increased the search for functional foods that provide both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This study focused on the production and evaluation of functional biscuits made from selected plant materials including Cardaba Banana, Beetroot, Tigernut, Justicia carnea, and Soybean. The aim was to determine their antioxidant scavenging abilities and evaluate their potential as a natural antihypertensive snack.

Composite flours were prepared from the selected plant materials and incorporated into biscuit formulations. The resulting products were analyzed for phytochemical profile, mineral content, and proximate composition to determine their nutritional value and bioactive components. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power methods.

The findings revealed that the formulated biscuits contained appreciable levels of dietary fiber, potassium, nitrates, betalains, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemical compounds known for their antioxidant properties. The antioxidant evaluation demonstrated notable free radical scavenging activity, suggesting that the biscuits possess significant functional potential.

The study concludes that the developed biscuits have considerable antioxidant capacity and may serve as a functional snack with potential antihypertensive benefits. Their consumption may therefore contribute to dietary strategies aimed at the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Hypertension is a major global health burden, often termed the "silent killer." The increasing prevalence, especially in low andmiddle-income countries, necessitates the development of accessible, non-pharmacological management strategies. Functional foods rich in bioactive compounds offer a promising approach for blood pressure control. This study seeks to develop an anti-hypertensive snack bar from Cardaba banana, beetroot, tigernuts, soyabeans, and Justicia carnea leaves and to evaluate its in vitro antioxidant and vasoprotective potential. Flours were individually prepared from the raw materials. Four snack bar formulations were developed: a control (with all-purpose flour) and three variations (Samples A, B, C) with increasing proportions of Cardaba banana flour. The samples were analyzed for their Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging activity, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and Nitric Oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity. All experimental samples (A, B, and C) demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant and NO-scavenging activities compared to the control. Sample A exhibited the most potent bioactivity, showing the strongest H₂O₂ and NO scavenging abilities, as well as the highest TAC. It also had the lowest IC₅₀ value for NO scavenging (12.5 μg/ml), indicating superior efficacy. The activities were dose-dependent, with Sample A > Sample B > Sample C >. The formulated snackbars, particularly Sample C, possess significant antioxidant and nitric oxide-related vasoprotective properties in vitro. These results suggest that the combination of Cardaba banana, beetroot, tigernut, soyabean, and Justicia carnea flours can yield a functional food with strong potential to mitigate oxidative stress and promote cardiovascular health, validating its development as a portable anti-hypertensive snack

Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity in Nigeria, and community pharmacists are positioned to bridge the documented "profoundly poor" self-care gap in Lokoja. This study evaluated the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Lokoja's community pharmacists regarding evidence-based hypertension management. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated KAP questionnaire, achieving an 88% participation rate (n=44) from the total population (N=50) of community pharmacists in Lokoja. Pharmacists demonstrated a highly positive attitude towards their role (WM=4.70) but perceived their pharmacies as unprepared for these services (WM=3.39). A critical knowledge deficit was identified: 75.8% were familiar with the outdated 2003 JNC 7 guideline, while only 27.3% knew the current 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. This correlated with poor knowledge of current Stage 1 (59.1%) and Stage 2 (54.5%) hypertension definitions. Practice was clearly divided, with high engagement in passive counseling (e.g., "Medication Counseling," 86.4% "Always") but low engagement in systematic, long-term care (e.g., "Documentation," WM=3.48; "Patient follow-up," WM=4.02). A significant knowledge-practice gap exists among Lokoja's pharmacists, driven not by poor attitude but by outdated guideline knowledge and environmental barriers. Mandated CPD on current guidelines and implementation of structured in-pharmacy systems are recommended..