High blood pressure awareness among residents in Lagos State, Nigeria: The role of librarians in the dissemination of health information

Purpose This study examines the level of awareness about high blood pressure and the role of librarians in the dissemination of health information among residents in Lagos State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The population comprised high blood pressure patients at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital in Lagos State, Nigeria. A sample of 900 patients was taken from the existing population of high blood pressure patients comprising male and female aged 15-55 years and above. Data for the study were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. Few in-depth interviews were also conducted to enrich the data from the structured questionnaire. Some descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyze the data obtained from the structured questionnaire, while the data obtained from the in-depth interviews were subjected to content analysis. Findings The findings revealed that awareness about high blood pressure was generally low among the study population. It was also discovered that the librarians working in the medical and public libraries in Lagos State provided information services to members of the communities. However, the librarians affirmed that their role in the dissemination of information to the public was inadequate. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to the high blood pressure patients at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, while the patients attending other hospitals in Lagos State were not included as a result of time factor and lack of funding for the research. The views of the excluded category of patients on the level of awareness of high blood pressure may vary. Originality/value Good health is the bedrock of human development, and awareness is the first step in the battle against the scourge of ill-health. Recognizing the need for increased level of awareness and the value of disseminating useful information are vital to patients in the management of high blood pressure.