South Asian Research Journal of Nursing and Healthcare (SARJNHC)
Volume-8 | Issue-04
Original Research Article
Assessment of Selfcare Practices among Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Akwa Ibom State: Multi-Centres Cross-Sectional Study
Mary Joseph Essien, Michael Promise Ogolodom, Maureen Dike Frank, Folorunso Dipo Omisakin
Published : July 8, 2026
Abstract
Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent urological condition among men, characterized by urinary difficulties, discomfort and diminished quality of life. Despite advances in medical intervention, inadequate self-care practices remain a significant challenge. Hence, the study assessed the self-care practices of patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in three selected hospitals, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study among 251 patients was conducted in selected hospitals using the Self-care questionnaire. Data on self-care practices were obtained and analyzed using statistical tools. Results: Patients with BPH self-care practices involves lifestyle/dietary modifications (Mean=2.90, SD=0.80), physical activity and exercise (Mean=2.70, SD=0.87) and bladder training and fluid management (Mean=2.67, SD=0.86) and medication adherence/follow-up (Mean=3.08, SD=0.76), which were rated moderate. In the domain of Physical activity and exercise, Item 12 indicated mean score of 2.38 and standard deviation of 0.95 indicating a low-level level of self-care practice of exercises patients with BPH in the selected hospital. Conclusion: Most patients actively engage in self-management behavior such as adhering to medication schedules, modifying diet, maintaining personal hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. Such a positive trend may be attributed to increased health awareness and education from healthcare professionals.