ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 9 (7), pp. 001-011, July, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Social Cognitive Theory and Perspectives of Community Pharmacists about Promotion of Lifestyle Modification in Hypertensive Adults
Olanike O. Kehinde*, Kimberly G. Dixon-Lawson and Aaron B. Mendelsohn
Faculty of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Walden University.
Accepted 14 July, 2020
Abstract
Hypertension is a global public health problem. Promotion of lifestyle modification (PLM) by health professionals is a key aspect in the management of hypertension. The perspectives of community pharmacists about PLM among adults with hypertension have not been explored in Nigeria though they play an essential role in healthcare in the community. A phenomenological study was conducted to document the perspectives of community pharmacists about PLM using in-depth interviews and social cognitive theory as the guiding framework. The knowledge, experiences, and barriers to the practice of PLM by 12 community pharmacists were explored. From a thematic analysis of transcribed data, 3 categories (perception of roles, perception of practice, pharmacy school curriculum), and an overarching theme evolved to capture the perspectives of community pharmacists about PLM in hypertension. The overarching theme was that the roles and practice of PLM by community pharmacists among hypertensive patients is influenced by cognitive factors, pharmacy school training, agency (self-efficacy and patient factors), and social structure (stakeholders and environmental factors). These findings may aid the design of appropriate interventions that can help community pharmacists to contribute more meaningfully to the management of hypertension through PLM in adults.
Key Words: Promotion of lifestyle modification, community pharmacists, health promotion, hypertension, social cognitive theory.