A study to evaluate the effectiveness of behaviour change communication on knowledge and practice Regarding prevention of stroke among early detected hypertensive patients attending OPD’s at Tertiary care hospital, Dharwad

Abstract

Background of the study: Stroke is the second major leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is one of the public health concerns. The incidence of stroke in general population is 154 per 1,00,000 in India. 12% of strokes occur in above 40 years. 34% of strokes occur in people younger than 65years old. The most effective way to reduce the morbidity and mortality in stroke is prevention by teaching.
OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the existing knowledge and practice of early detected hypertensive patients regarding prevention of stroke.2. To evaluate the effectiveness of BCC regarding prevention of stroke.3. To find the association between pre-test knowledge and practice scores with selected socio-demographic variables.
Methods: Conceptual framework of the study , an Integrative Model of Behaviour Prediction Fishbein. M. & Yzer. MC. (2003) was applied to Pre-experimental one group pre-test and post-test research design using Non probability purposive sampling technique 40 early detected hypertension patients were selected. Pre-test was conducted using structured knowledge questionnaire and practice checklist followed by intervention (BCC) session on maintenance of positive health. On 7th day post-test was conducted using the same tool. Results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: In the post-test majority 35(87.5%) had adequate knowledge and 2(5%) moderate knowledge while in the pre-test 25(62.5%) had inadequate knowledge and 10 (25%) had moderate knowledge. Depicted that majority 20(50%) had poor practice in pre-test where as in post-test 31(77.5%) had practice towards maintenance of positive health. Therefore these results proved the effectiveness of BCC on improving knowledge and practice in prevention of stroke. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The study concludes that, there was significant increase in Knowledge and practice in maintenance of positive health. Hence, BCC is proved to be effective in bringing the change.