HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT IN WOMEN IN RURAL MURANG'A COUNTY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction- Hypertension is a challenge for women in rural Kenya, yet little is known about the barriers or facilitators to their ability to manage hypertension. The purpose of this study is to illuminate how African women farmworkers in rural Murang’a County, Kenya, cope with high blood pressure. Specifically, it describes 1) obstacles to high blood pressure management and 2) what helps women manage high blood pressure. Methods - The participant group in this study was comprised of eight adult women farm workers in rural Murang’a County, all of whom had been diagnosed with HTN. Individual meetings were held at potential participants’ homes. After obtaining consent, a short demographic interview was verbally conducted by the researcher with each recruited participant. Participants were invited to attend a focus group meeting. The researcher facilitated the focus group meeting in a discussion loosely structured by a questionnaire. Field notes and an audio record were used to document the discussion. Results- It was noted that limited education and a poverty and corrupt economy were among the major barriers affecting management of HTN in rural Murang’a County. Other barriers identified included lack of information regarding high-risk blood pressure readings, poor care, diet and inadequate healthcare resources compounded by inadequate government support. Facilitators for managing HTN included social support from the other women and family. Conclusion- This research highlights the need for societal-level transformations within Kenya, including its government, healthcare system and economy. There is need to increase government support for education, agriculture and improve healthcare systems by training nurses in HTN care/education.