Effectiveness of Female Community Health Volunteers Training on Hypertension Knowledge and Blood Pressure Measurement Skills in Nepal

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Female Community Health Volunteers
• Interventions: Other: Training

• Registration Number: NCT06529289
• Lead Sponsor: Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences

Brief Summary

The investigators aimed to investigate the effectiveness of training FCHVs in hypertension knowledge and blood pressure measuring skills and explore their perceptions of challenges and opportunities to deliver hypertension counseling and monitor Blood pressure in the community. The investigators conducted a quasi-experimental study design among 131 FCHVs from Namobuddha and Mandandeupur municipalities. The investigators quantitatively measured the baseline and end-line hypertension knowledge and BP measurement skills after providing a one-day training on hypertension knowledge and BP measurement. Furthermore, the investigators conducted three focus group discussions with FCHVs to explore the challenges and opportunities of FCHVs in community-based hypertension management.

Detailed Description

Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) in Nepal could play a role in preventing and managing hypertension. Limited studies have been conducted on Nepal's FCHV knowledge and capacity to deliver hypertension-related counseling and services. The investigators investigate the effectiveness of training FCHVs in hypertension knowledge and blood pressure measuring skills and explore their perceptions of challenges and opportunities to deliver hypertension counseling and monitor Blood pressure in the community. The investigators conducted a quasi-experimental study design among 131 FCHVs from Namobuddha and Mandandeupur municipalities. The investigators quantitatively measured the baseline and end-line hypertension knowledge and BP measurement skills after providing a one-day training on hypertension knowledge and BP measurement. The investigators used the Hypertension Knowledge Level Scale (HK-LS) to assess the knowledge through face-to-face interviews and observed BP measurement skills using an observation checklist. The investigators used paired t-tests to see the mean difference before and after the training. The investigators performed linear regression to assess the hypertension knowledge and BP measurement skills scores with socio-demographic and FCHV's general performance. Furthermore, the investigators conducted three focus group discussions with FCHVs to explore the challenges and opportunities of FCHVs in community-based hypertension management. The investigators transcribed the recorded discussion verbatim and analyzed it using the framework analysis method

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-04-20
• Primary Completion: 2023-10-20
• Study Completion: 2024-06-01
• Status Verified: 2024-07
• Study First Submitted: 2024-07-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-07-28
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-07-28
• Study First Posted: 2024-07-31
• Last Update Posted: 2024-07-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 131

Inclusion Criteria

• Appointed as FCHV
• Age 18 years and older

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Exclusion Criteria

• Not able to respond during the data collection period
• Out of municipality during the data collection period

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Training to Female Community Health Volunteers	Training	Female Community Health Volunteers received a one-day training on hypertension knowledge and blood pressure measurement skills. The training included sessions on hypertension knowledge and practical demonstrations of BP measurement techniques. The effectiveness of the training was assessed by measuring the baseline and end-line hypertension knowledge and BP measurement skills."

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Hypertension Knowledge	Baseline and endline data collected within a single day. 1 day	We measured the FCHVs Hypertension in terms of knowledge score The Hypertension Knowledge Level Scale (HK-LS) assessed respondents' knowledge in defining hypertension, lifestyle, medical treatment, drug compliance, diet, and complications of hypertension. Each item was a complete sentence that was either correct or incorrect. Each item was prepared as part of a standard answer (correct, incorrect, or do not know). The scale included 22 items divided into six subdimensions (annex - IV). Each correct answer is worth 1 point. The maximum score is 22 for the entire scale. The minimum score is zero for the whole scale, and a score of higher means better knowledge for all sub-dimensions.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Blood Pressure measurement skills	Baseline and endline data collected within a single day. 1 day	Blood pressure skills were observed in three pre- and post-observation segments using an observational checklist. At first, pre-observation was performed, and training to measure blood pressure was provided to FCHVs; after that, post-observation was performed. There were pre-measurement inquiries and instructions for five items, measurement instructions for items, and a post-measurement record of 1 item. We ticked "yes" or "no" if the FCHV performed the activity listed in the checklist. Each 'yes' item gets 1 point, and the total score ranges from 0 to 17, with higher scores indicating a higher skill level. We defined blood pressure measurement capacity as an indicator of the FCHVs could perform these four actions: Placement of measuring arm at the level of heart, Proper fastening of the cuff, Measuring blood pressure three times at 1 (or more) minute(s) intervals, Recording of all readings).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Prasansha Poudel; 🇳🇵 Dhulikhel, Nepal