Effect of a structured training program on knowledge and practice of lifestyle modification among healthcare professionals

Objective: Hypertension awareness among healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding lifestyle modification is still low. According to research, the best method to solve this problem is to sensitize and train HCPs regarding the different modalities of lifestyle management. This study aims to see how a structured training program aimed at HCPs is effective in improving knowledge of hypertension in the advice of lifestyle changes to their patients. Design and Methods: The sample size (n = 30) HCPs was determined using a quasi-experimental method. The Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS), a modified structured questionnaire from the World Health Organization (WHO), was used to assess understanding of hypertension, knowledge of lifestyle modification, and practice. A 7-module, 12-week online course was delivered to the HCPs and a pre-test and post-test was administered to assess the change in knowledge regarding the awareness of lifestyle modifications. Results: The result showed that the t-test of the pre-knowledge about hypertension among HCPs differed significantly from post-knowledge after intervention (t = 4.90, p = 0.001). In addition, there is a significantly different between the pre and post-knowledge levels about lifestyle modification after intervention (t = 3.62, p = 0.001). A significant difference was also observed between the pre and post their advice of lifestyle modification to their patient after intervention (t = 3.56, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The health care providers, especially the allied healthcare professionals must be trained in a structured way to improve their knowledge of lifestyle modification specifically in hypertension as part of the primary prevention of hypertension.