Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A (2023)

Background: Hypertension is a risk factor for all cardiovascular-related illnesses. Maintaining a high quality of life for those with hypertension is critical. As a result, the study's goal was to offer an update on the current prevalence and management of hypertension, as well as the quality of life among Bayelsa state politicians in Nigeria.
Aim: This study evaluated the management of Hypertension amongst the Political Class in Bayelsa State.
Methods: The study included 250 politicians, who were previously treated for hypertension. A questionnaire was designed to collect demographic, medication, and medication history information from the respondents. Ethical approval was obtained as it applies to this study. The questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS software version 27.0.
Results: Data obtained showed 61.6% were male while 38.4% were female. About 48.0% of the respondents indicated that their health was better, 31.6% stated that their health affects them from participating in rigorous physical activities, 57.6% said they participate in moderate activities, 20.8staircasesair cases, and other activities like bending, kneeling, or stooping (100%), walking more than a mile (100%), walking several hundred (100%) or one hundred (79.6%) yards, bathing or dressing oneself (48%), eye problems (43.8%), longer stay in hospital (90.4%). There was a significant difference between knowledge and pattern of management of hypertension. Using one-way ANOVA, there was no statistically significant difference between knowledge, prevalence, and quality of life among politicians that had hypertension
Conclusion: Participants revealed a high prevalence and low comprehension or knowledge of hypertension and blood pressure treatment among politicians in Bayelsa State. Those with some knowledge of hypertension control are managing and adhering to pharmacologic and non-pharmacological strategies. As a result, significant measures are required to enlighten them and carefully manage their blood pressure and overall health. This will increase their standard of living and their ability to serve humanity.