Effectiveness of Nutritional Education Programs in Managing Hypertension in Adults

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a prevalent non-communicable disease marked by elevated blood pressure (BP), increasing risks for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney ailments. Normal BP is <120/80 mm Hg; pre-hypertension is 120-139/80-89 mm Hg; Stage I HTN is 140-159/90-99 mm Hg; Stage II HTN is ≥160/100 mm Hg. Globally, HTN affects 30-45% of adults, with higher rates in central/eastern Europe. Modifiable risk factors include poor diet, inactivity, and obesity. Early diagnosis, effective management, and lifestyle changes, particularly dietary interventions like the DASH diet, can reduce BP. Educational programs are crucial for fostering healthy habits and managing HTN. Aim of the study: This study aims to observe the effectiveness of nutritional education on patients with hypertension. Methods: This randomized controlled study included 350 hypertensive, overweight, or obese patients (BMI >25 kg/m²) from Department of Community Medicine, Shahabuddin Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Over six months, patients received nutrition education from qualified dietitians, consisting of individual and group sessions based on the DASH diet, tailored to Polish eating habits. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analyses were conducted at baseline and after the intervention. Statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA showed the effects of nutrition education on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and biochemical markers, with data analyzed using SPSS. All participants maintained their pharmacological treatments and provided written consent. Result: This study involved 350 participants with a mean age of 53.3 years (SD = 10.7). The majority were female (68%) and had varied educational levels, with 45.14% completing high school. Most participants were from upper-class income levels (60%). Lifestyle habits showed that 60% were current drinkers, and only 8% smoked. Regular exercise was reported by 90.57%. Significant reductions were observed in sys