Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Lifestyle Modification among Patients with Hypertension Attending the Family Medicine Clinics of ISTH, Irrua, Nigeria (Milmaph Study) - A Randomised Control Trial Study Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Over a quarter of patients with hypertension have uncontrolled hypertension. Lifestyle modification has been shown to improve blood pressure control, thus measures that would help patients with hypertension achieve positive lifestyle modification would improve BP control. The study aims to determine the effect of motivational interviews on lifestyle modification and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension attending the Family Medicine Clinics of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Nigeria.

METHODS: The proposed study will be a randomised control trial (PACTR202301917477205). About 212 adults between 18 and 65 years with hypertension presenting to the Family Medicine Clinics of ISTH will be randomised into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will be given a motivational interview (MI) on lifestyle modification at the start of the study and monthly for 6 months in addition to standard care for the management of hypertension. The control group will be given standard care for the management of hypertension only without MI and seen monthly for 6 months. Both groups will be assessed at baseline and 6 months. At baseline, a qualitative technique will be used to determine the reason for not adopting lifestyle modification.

STUDY OUTCOME: The primary outcome shall be lifestyle modification at 6 months while the secondary outcome shall be blood pressure control at 6 months.

CONCLUSION: Findings from the study will provide cost-effective ways of blood pressure control and reduction in the disease burden of hypertension in Nigeria.