Cardiovascular Journal of Africa • SAHS Biennial Congress 2024 31 AFRICA POSTER PRESENTATION Submission ID: 1641 Introduction Proper management is necessary to prevent hypertension-related complications and improve the patient’s quality of life. This includes pharmacological intervention and lifestyle changes, for example, dietary modifications. The Diet Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and dietary sodium reduction are dietary modifications shown to reduce hypertension. Despite the effectiveness of these dietary modifications, some studies demonstrate low adherence to dietary recommendations. Research on hypertensive individuals’ adherence to the DASH diet and dietary sodium reduction recommendations in South Africa is limited. There is also scarce research on their knowledge of the DASH diet and barriers to adherence among South Africans. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with hypertension in the cardiac clinic of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was provided in English and Zulu, a local language. A pilot study was conducted to ensure the research tool is reliable and valid. The questionnaire was translated by an individual who is fluent in both languages. The questionnaire was then back-translated by a second individual who is fluent in both languages. The back translation was compared with the original to assess and validate the translated questionnaire. Prospective sampling was used to recruit individuals awaiting routine follow-up care at the cardiac clinic to participate in the study. Data collection took place over 7 months. The data was analysed using STATA. Results The questionnaire had 123 respondents, the majority of whom were female (57%) and had been diagnosed with hypertension more than 10 years ago (56%). Among 88 respondents, 96% (85) respondents were instructed what it is they should eat for blood pressure control, yet only 67% (59) respondents state that they follow healthy diet recommendations. Furthermore, it was also found that 70% of respondents had not been provided with information that they could reassess once leaving the healthcare vicinity, while 63% (55) respondents believed what you eat can affect your blood pressure. Conclusion Adherence to dietary modifications among patients with hypertension was relatively high in this study. However, not all patients who were recommended dietary modifications agreed to being adherent. Additionally, not all participants believed that blood pressure can be affected by diet, which could influence their perception of risk. This study highlights the complexity of hypertension management and so the results may assist in guiding programs to improve the adherence to dietary modification and thus, the improvement of blood pressure control of individuals with hypertension and reduce hypertension-related complications. Name: Presenting Author Information Article Category Abstract Title University of the Witwatersrand morongwa9934@gmail.com English Abstract Students - Currently enrolled postgraduate students The reality of the adherence to dietary modification recommendations in patients with hypertension at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa Author Affiliation: Email: Morongwa Ngobese Science Theme Basic Authors Name & Surname Title Expertise Affiliation Email Country Morongwa Ngobese Ms University of the Witwatersrand morongwa9934@gmail.com South Africa Ané Orchard Dr University of the Witwatersrand ane.orchard@wits.ac.za South Africa Razeeya Khan Mrs University of the Witwatersrand razeeya.khan@wits.ac.za South Africa Muhammed Vally Mr University of the Witwatersrand Muhammed.vally@wits.ac.za South Africa Tessa MacLeod Mrs Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital tessa.macleod@gmail.com South Africa
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