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A16350 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices with regard to Hypertension among Rural Health Providers of Bubanza Health Province

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health providers in rural Burundi towards hypertensive patients. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2014 to May 2015. It involved 157 health providers from the Bubanza health province. They were divided into three groups; 14 physicians (8.9%), 62 nurses (39.4%) and 81 nursing assistants (51.5%). Delivery in a health facility was essential for the inclusion of the respondent in the study. A semi-directive interview was conducted using a pre-established questionnaire. Data entry and processing were done with Excel 2016. The proportion was used to assess respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HTA. Results: The mean age was 32.9 ± 6.1 years with a sex ratio F/M 3.2. The correct definition of hypertension was known by 64.2% of doctors, 35.4% of nurses and by 30.8% of nursing auxiliaries. Eleven physicians (78.5%), twenty-eight nurses (45.1%) and forty nursing assistants consistently took blood pressure in all adults who came for consultation. Thirty percent of all providers were aware of the initial HTA management guidelines. The target blood pressure level was not known by 21.7% of providers including 2 doctors (14.5%), 9 nursing auxiliaries (14.5%) and 23 (28, 4%) nurses. Treatment duration was known by 43.3% of providers; 11 doctors (78.6%), 30 nurses (37%) and 27 nursing assistants (43.5%). One hundred and thirty-four (85.3%) providers provided information on hypertension to their patients and 155 (98.7%) did not assess risk factors. Conclusion: The gaps in hypertension are found in all providers but are pronounced among the least qualified. The lack of information from patients makes it difficult to comply with treatment.