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Background <p>Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in Nigeria, with a high burden in the Northwest. Effective management at the primary healthcare (PHC) level is critical, yet data on healthcare workers’ capacity in this security-challenged region are limited.</p> Objectives <p>To assess the knowledge and practice of hypertension management amongst PHC workers in Gusau, Zamfara State, and identify associated factors.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 320 healthcare workers using a pretested questionnaire. Knowledge and self-reported practice were assessed and categorised as ‘good/adequate’ (score ≥ 75%) or ‘poor/inadequate.’ Data were analysed with SPSS using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05).</p> Results <p>Respondents’ mean age was 34.6 ± 7.8 years; 62.8% were male, and 48.4% were Community Health Extension Workers. Overall, 61.9% had good knowledge, but gaps existed in identifying diagnostic thresholds (56.3%) and complications (59.7%). Only 54.7% demonstrated adequate practice, with low follow-up scheduling (48.1%), guideline use (51.6%), and referral (46.9%). Prior training (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6–4.3) and &gt; 10 years’ experience (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–3.0) predicted good knowledge. Good knowledge (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3–3.5) and on-site guideline availability (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.1) predicted adequate practice.</p> Conclusion <p>A significant know-do gap exists in hypertension management. Recurrent in-service training for all PHC cadres—particularly Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and Community Health Officers (CHOs), who constitute the majority of the workforce—alongside accessible point-of-care guidelines, strengthened chronic care systems, and supportive supervision are urgently needed to improve hypertension care in this region.</p>

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Bridging the know-do gap: a cross-sectional assessment of hypertension management amongst primary healthcare workers in Northwestern Nigeria

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月19日

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  • Umar Abdullahi,
  • Abdullah Shehu,
  • Sanusi Garba,
  • Bello Alhaji Mohammed,
  • Kabiru Bello Sada,
  • Harrison Sunday Akogwu,
  • Kabiru Muhammad Mande,
  • Jelani Muhammad,
  • Sani Ahmad,
  • Lawan Umar,
  • Mujtaba Bala

摘要

Background

Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in Nigeria, with a high burden in the Northwest. Effective management at the primary healthcare (PHC) level is critical, yet data on healthcare workers’ capacity in this security-challenged region are limited.

Objectives

To assess the knowledge and practice of hypertension management amongst PHC workers in Gusau, Zamfara State, and identify associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 320 healthcare workers using a pretested questionnaire. Knowledge and self-reported practice were assessed and categorised as ‘good/adequate’ (score ≥ 75%) or ‘poor/inadequate.’ Data were analysed with SPSS using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression (p < 0.05).

Results

Respondents’ mean age was 34.6 ± 7.8 years; 62.8% were male, and 48.4% were Community Health Extension Workers. Overall, 61.9% had good knowledge, but gaps existed in identifying diagnostic thresholds (56.3%) and complications (59.7%). Only 54.7% demonstrated adequate practice, with low follow-up scheduling (48.1%), guideline use (51.6%), and referral (46.9%). Prior training (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6–4.3) and > 10 years’ experience (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–3.0) predicted good knowledge. Good knowledge (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3–3.5) and on-site guideline availability (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.1) predicted adequate practice.

Conclusion

A significant know-do gap exists in hypertension management. Recurrent in-service training for all PHC cadres—particularly Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and Community Health Officers (CHOs), who constitute the majority of the workforce—alongside accessible point-of-care guidelines, strengthened chronic care systems, and supportive supervision are urgently needed to improve hypertension care in this region.