Health experts have expressed concern over the low level of routine monitoring of vital signs among Nigerians, warning that the trend is contributing to the late detection of hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
They said regular checks of blood pressure, blood sugar, pulse rate, body temperature, respiratory rate and body weight remain among the simplest and most effective ways of identifying health problems before they become severe.
Findings by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja indicate that many Nigerians only monitor their vital signs when they fall ill or are required to do so before undergoing medical procedures.
Some residents who spoke with NAN on Sunday attributed their poor health-seeking behaviour to fear of diagnosis, financial constraints, busy work schedules and limited awareness of preventive healthcare.
A civil servant, Ms Nneka Okolo, said she avoided routine screening because she feared being diagnosed with a chronic illness.
“I don’t like going to the hospital unless I’m seriously sick.
“Sometimes I worry they may tell me I have high blood pressure,” she said.
A trader at Wuse Market, Mrs Ngozi Eze, said she had not checked her blood pressure in more than three years because she was preoccupied with earning a living.
“I am always very busy and have no time to check the necessary vital signs. Besides, I hardly fall sick,” she said.
A businessman, Mr Ifeanyi Nzeli, said the rising cost of healthcare discouraged many families from undergoing routine medical examinations.
According to him, his family relies largely on traditional medicine, which they believe has worked well for them over the years.
Nzeli called on health-focused non-governmental organisations to intensify public awareness campaigns on the importance of regular monitoring of vital signs.
Other respondents blamed long waiting times at public hospitals and inadequate awareness of preventive healthcare for the low uptake of routine health checks.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly, at least once every two to five years, depending on age and health status.
The organisation recommends annual blood pressure checks for individuals aged 50 and above, those with pre-existing medical conditions and people whose blood pressure is close to the high range.(NAN)
