Verpleegkundiges by klinieke in die Vrystaat se kennis van en houding jeens oefening as behandelingsmetode vir hipertensie-pasiënte met die doel om riglyne vir 'n opleidingsprogram daar te stel

Hypertension is a common problem occurring worldwide in white as well as black persons, and it is a risk factor for various disease conditions such as apoplexy (stroke), which is the second primary cause of death in South Africa. Lifestyle changes are an important component of the prevention and treatment of hypertension, and physiotherapists could make a significant contribution in this regard by implementing exercise as treatment method for hypertensive patients. Due to an insufficient number of physiotherapists in the Free State to render this service, it would be the logical solution to involve persons who have the most patient contact. However, before persons should become involved in patient education, it is necessary to determine their knowledge of and attitude towards exercise as a treatment method for hypertensive patients. A descriptive research design was used in the research and the information was gathered by means of questionnaires and focus group interviews. The data of the focus group interviews were categorised and subdivided into groups and themes according to content, determined by the responses of the respondents. Most nurses displayed a positive attitude towards exercise. Some nurses, however, displayed an uninformed or neutral attitude with uncertainty regarding the prescription and presentation of exercises. The research results demonstrated that nurses are lacking in knowledge regarding the type of exercise to be presented as well as the precautionary measures to be taken during exercise classes. A training programme containing all the necessary information regarding exercise as treatment method for hypertensive patients, is therefore essential. For this purpose guidelines with regard to exercise for hypertensive patients were drawn up.