Development of Public Health Center-Based Culturally Tailored Hypertension Self-Care Intervention Among Adults in Rural Ghana

Objectives: Develop a primary health care-based nurse-led culturally tailored hypertension self-care intervention for rural residents. Design: The culturally tailored hypertension self-care intervention was developed using a six-step intervention mapping approach that involved: needs assessment using literature review and interviews; setting program goals using integrated thematic synthesis method; selecting intervention modules through the process dimension of the self-care theory of chronic illness; producing program components and materials by developing intervention modules using the motivational interviewing and behavior change techniques; planning program adoption by encouraging sustainable behavior; and evaluation using the education content validity index in health and the intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility scale. Measurements: Education content validity index in health and the intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility scale. Intervention: The culturally tailored hypertension self-care intervention modules included health literacy, adherence to therapy, continuous monitoring, reduction of the modifiable risk factors of hypertension; self-care management strategies, and strategies for sustaining behavior. Results: The culturally tailored hypertension self-care intervention addresses community-based facilitators and barriers to self-care behavior and ultimately blood pressure control as described in the process dimension of the self-care theory of chronic illness. Conclusion: This culturally tailored hypertension self-care intervention is to be implemented by nurses working in primary health care settings in Ghana where they have direct access to and daily interaction with patients with uncontrolled hypertension.