Barriers to Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure: A Study among Hypertensive Patients at the Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Introduction Hypertension has been a global public health problem. However, hypertension control is low. Regular self-monitoring of blood pressure by hypertensive patients is one sure way of improving their health. This study sought to explore their knowledge about self-monitoring, how they practice it and any barriers to the practice. Methodology It was a cross-sectional quantitative study where hypertensive patients who regularly attend Hypertension clinics at the Ho Teaching Hospital were assessed. A structured questionnaire was administered by interviewers or self-administered during patients’ normal visits to their physicians for review. Data analysis was done using STATA Statistical/Data Analysis software. Results A total of 315 respondents, involving 146 males (46.3%) and 169 females (53.7%) took part in the study. Majority were aged between 30 and 50+ years. Majority of the respondents, 123 (39.1) had lived with hypertension more than 4 years, with diabetes affecting 67 (21.3%) of them. The study found that 52.7% of respondents had heard about SMBP. The proportion of respondents who were currently self-monitoring with their personal BP apparatus was 28.9%. Conclusion The main barriers to the practice of self-monitoring identified were low educational level, lack of awareness and lack of money to purchase a personal BP apparatus. Patients’ inability to practice SMBP was largely personal, but was also influenced by access to information/education from HCP.