What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Hypertension (n=320). Primary outcome: Adequate practice of hypertension management (predicted by on-site guideline availability) (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.1, p=0.009).

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate hypertension management knowledge and practices among primary healthcare workers in Northwestern Nigeria.

March 21, 2026BMC Cardiovascular Disorders0 citationsOpen Access

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

UAUmar Abdullahi ASAbdullah Shehu SGSanusi Garba

Key Result

On-site availability of clinical guidelines significantly increased the odds of adequate hypertension management practice among primary healthcare workers (AOR 1.9).

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate hypertension management knowledge and practices among primary healthcare workers in Northwestern Nigeria.
Conducted a cross-sectional study in Gusau, Zamfara State, involving 320 healthcare workers.
Utilized a pretested questionnaire to assess knowledge and self-reported practices of hypertension management.
Analyzed data using SPSS with chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.
61.9% of respondents had good knowledge of hypertension management.
Only 54.7% demonstrated adequate practice in managing hypertension.
Significant gaps included identifying diagnostic thresholds (56.3%) and complications (59.7%).
Prior training and experience significantly predicted knowledge and practices among healthcare workers.

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=320)

Multicenter

Yes

Structured PICO

Population

Healthcare workers in primary healthcare (PHC) centres in Gusau, Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria

Outcome

Knowledge and self-reported practice of hypertension management (categorised as 'good/adequate' or 'poor/inadequate')

A significant know-do gap exists in hypertension management among primary healthcare workers in Northwestern Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for recurrent training and accessible point-of-care guidelines.

Main Result

Effect estimate: AOR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-3.1)

p-value: p=0.009

Limitations

Self-reported practice may be subject to recall and social desirability bias
Cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships

Abstract

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

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