Effectiveness of Vernacularized Educational Theatre (VET) in Reducing Salt Intake among Hypertensive Patients in Nigeria

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Vernacularized Educational Theatre (VET) intervention in reducing salt intake among hypertensive patients.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental design, utilizing a pre-test and post-test approach.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between November 2022 and March 2023.

Methodology: The study included 88 hypertensive patients assigned randomly to control and intervention groups. Data on dietary salt-related knowledge were obtained with a validated questionnaire, while 24-hour urine samples were collected with 3-liter receptacles at baseline, and at 2weeks and 4weeks post-intervention. The intervention group received the VET one week after baseline data collection, with a follow-up four weeks later. Urinary sodium was measured using a potentiometric analyzer, and student t-tests and Pearson correlation were employed to assess changes in salt-related knowledge and test the hypothesis respectively.

Results: The average age of participants was 51.9 (SD± 2.12) years. Both groups had similar salt intake (6.2g and 6.3g) at baseline. Post-intervention, the intervention group’s intake decreased significantly to 4.4g (p = 0.000), while the control group’s intake remained unchanged. Similarly, the intervention group’ salt-related knowledge scores increased significantly from 10.5 to 18.6 (p = 0.000), whereas the control group's scores did not change significantly.

Conclusion: The VET significantly lowered salt intake and enhanced salt-related knowledge among hypertensive patients, suggesting its viability in promoting healthy salt consumption behaviors.