Factors Affecting Adherence to Dietary Approach to Hypertension (Dash) Treatment among Hypertensive Out-Patients in Selected Hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria

The study examined the factors affecting the adherence to the Dietary Approach to Hypertension (DASH) Treatment among hypertensive Out-Patients in selected government hospitals in Abeokuta metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined socio-economic characteristics of the hypertensive out-patients, hypertensive out-patients attitudes towards dietary adherence and factors affecting adherence to DASH diets. Multistage and stratified sampling technique was used to select 209 Hypertensive-Out Patients from Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba and Ogun State Hospital, Ijaye both in Abeokuta. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on demographic characteristics, attitudes towards dietary adherence and factors affecting adherence to dietary guidelines. Data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, weighted mean score, standard deviations and Principal Component Analysis. Results showed that 75.10% of the hypertensive out-patients were married, 56.50% were female, 48.8% had tertiary education with the mean age and monthly income of 57.00±13.20 years and ?102,000, respectively. Furthermore, 62.2% indicated non-adherence to dietary guidelines while lack of quality food while away from home ( w = 160.80) and forgetfulness ( w = 147.30) were the main factors affecting adherence to these guidelines. Also, (62.2%) of the respondents had an unfavorable attitude towards adherence to diet guidelines. Principal Component Analysis indicate that forgetfulness (0.81) and loss of appetite (0.80) were major factors affecting adherence to Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) guidelines. The study concluded that forgetfulness, loss of appetite and lack of quality food while away from home were the predominant factors affecting out-patients adherence to DASH guidelines. The study recommends that nutritional sensitization and awareness creation should be given to hypertensive out-patients on the need to adhere to DASH diet. Received: 16 July 2024 / Accepted: 25 August 2024 / Published: 7 September 2024

Dash · Environmental health · Family medicine · Geography · Ogun state · Blood Pressure and Hypertension Studies · Computer Science · Medicine · Nutritional Studies and Diet