Evaluating health related quality of life among hypertensive patients: An educational intervention study

The health care sector has shown increased interest in humanistic outcomes of therapy. Health related quality of life (HRQOL) evaluation among patients receiving treatment for chronic diseases is now widely applied. Hence, the effect of education on the HRQOL of hypertensive patients was evaluated in two tertiary health facilities; FMC, Yenagoa and NDUTH, Okolobiri in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Trained Pharmacist interviewed willing hypertensive patients between 21-80 years of age at the cardiology clinics of the health facilities using the MINICHAL questionnaire which is specific for hypertension. A convenient sampling technique was adopted. Demographic characteristics were also obtained. The responses (425) were analyzed and observed. To evaluate the effect of drugs and educational intervention, an interactive health talks on hypertension was held at their cardiology clinic weekly for six weeks. Two months later the questionnaire was re-administered. The responses post intervention (297) was analyzed. The results were then compared. The MINICHAL rates HRQOL as best=0 to worst=51. HRQOL score of 12.96 to 8.00 in FMC Yenagoa and 8.70 to 8.55 in NDUTH Okolobiri, pre and post intervention respectively was observed. Though not significant (P=0.3998), the study revealed that educational intervention brought about a positive trend in demographic characteristics. Age, marriage and education were indicated as strong indicators of HRQOL. Educational intervention on hypertension improves patient’s HRQOL. Patients’ education and counseling should be a continuous tool in patient management.