Effect of intervention on preventive practices of hypertension and diabetes among teachers

Abstract

Background: This study addressed the critical gap in teachers’ preventive practices regarding hypertension and diabetes, highlighting the need for workplace health interventions to improve disease prevention.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of an educational intervention on self-reported preventive practices of hypertension and diabetes among teachers in selected schools in Lagos State.
Setting: The research setting comprised Lagos Island and Yaba Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State, Nigeria, both of which are historically significant and serve as key centres for education and commerce.
Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, involving an experimental group that received the intervention and a control group that did not. The study population comprised public secondary school teachers, with a total of 176 participants, selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted.
Results: There was no significant difference in self-reported preventive practices between the experimental and control groups before the intervention (Cohen’s d = –0.0072, p = 0.953). However, post-intervention results showed a significant improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group (Cohen’s d = 12.41, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The educational intervention implemented in this study significantly enhanced teachers’ preventive practices regarding hypertension and diabetes. It recommends that schools should collaborate with health agencies to conduct routine health screenings and awareness programmes.
Contribution: This study provided empirical evidence that the educational intervention significantly improved teachers’ self-reported preventive practices for hypertension and diabetes, reinforcing the need for workplace-based health promotion.