An assessment of availability and accessibility of health information in addressing hypertension in Tanzania

This study assessed the availability and accessibility of health information in addressing hypertension at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam. The study examined the level of awareness of hypertension among hypertensive patients receiving treatment at the MNH, the information resources available and patterns of accessing those information resources among hypertensive patients. Patients receiving treatments at the Muhimbili Cardiac Centre, and information resources were units of the sample constituting 48 patients and 16 staff. Data was collected mainly using the questionnaire supplemented by face to face interviews and participant observation. The findings of the study revealed that, hypertensive patients were moderately aware of and knowledgeable about hypertension. The most accessible source of information on hypertension is the hospital staff, particularly physicians, nurses and counsellors. Alternative sources of information on hypertension for the patients were the radio to a lesser extent television. The internet/WebPages were uncommon sources of information for the patients. Despite the availability of information on the radio and television patients' frequencies of accessing the sources of information were lower. The study found out poor reading culture, low literacy levels and lack of awareness on the availability of information among patients were the barriers for effective access to information on hypertension included among the patients. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends deployment of qualified medical personnel to health facilities, educative community interventions, enhanced public awareness through mass media, and change of dietery and overall life style would be appropriate in redressing hypertension.