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Communication Strategies for Hypertension Awareness in Curaçao
Hypertension is a major social health problem for adults in the Caribbean, including those
in Curacao. However, many people have either never discovered that they suffer from this
condition or do not manage it to the greatest extent possible because of insufficient educational
guidance (PAHO/OPS, 2024). The practicum project presented in this work aims to bridge this
gap by developing a culturally relevant health education program for this community. The
objective is for the program to offer adults between the ages of 18 and 69 years in Willemstad
educational tools about the risks, prevention, and management strategies of hypertension. This
communication strategy will lead to a successful hypertension awareness campaign in Curacao.
Health Communication Strategy Statement
Guiding this intervention will be a comprehensive health communication strategy. The
target audience comprises adults in the age group of 18 to 69 years in Willemstad and with high
risks of hypertension, which include those who are suffering from obesity, diabetes or related
chronic diseases (PAHO/OPS, 2024). The messaging shares evidence-based messages about
hypertension risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, and prevention strategies that are
simple and culturally relevant (Kersey-Matusiak, 2024). Printed brochures distributed to, among
others, community health centers, local clinics, and outreach events by public health workers are
the primary communication channels. Therefore, the educational program will be written in
simple language, as well as in the local dialect, as necessary and with culturally suited, resonant
visuals to ensure the cultural and linguistic relevancy of the program (kersey-matusiak, 2024).
SMART Educational Objectives for the Intended Audience
1. After the educational session, 80 percent of the participants will be able to name at least
three of the most influential risk factors for hypertension.
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2. By the fourth week after their brochure, at least 60 percent of the participants will
become knowledgeable on the prevention of hypertension as compared to when they
score 80 percent or more on a knowledge assessment.
3. At least 40 percent report that they have adopted at least one of the hypertension
prevention behaviors within the third month of the implementation.
4. By the end of the sixth month, at least another 50% of the CHWs will use the brochure as
part of their educational program, which will provide outreach and increase community
engagement in hypertension awareness.
Health Behavior Theory Framework
This intervention is based on the theoretical framework of the Social Cognitive Theory
(SCT). As pointed out by Cervone (2023), this theory emphasizes the interplay between
personal, behavioral and environmental factors in pronouncing health behaviors. CHWs' role as
models during observational learning is important in practice, as they demonstrate how to
prevent hypertension. This helps people develop a sense of self-efficacy by offering them
responsible steps that enable them to take charge of their health. Community engagement
strategies like group discussions and testimonials are incorporated, involving reinforcement to
encourage behavior adoption (Cervone, 2023).
Conclusion
The communication strategy follows the best public health communicators' practices of
addressing audience needs, applying health behavior theories, and establishing clear, measurable
goals. Integration of the Social Cognitive Theory in this intervention guarantees that clients are
equipped and encouraged to make lifespan changes that can aid in reducing and controlling
hypertension. This intervention is culturally competent and evidence-based, with the aim of
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improving Curaçao's hypertension awareness and hypertension prevention efforts effectively. If
this strategy is implemented well, community members will be able to gain knowledge and
confidence to make healthier lifestyle choices, reducing the burden of hypertension in Curaçao.
References
Cervone, D. (2023). Theory and application in Personality science: The case of social-cognitive
theory. Psychology and Developing Societies, 35(2), 220–250.
https://doi.org/10.1177/09713336231178366
Kersey-Matusiak, G. (2024). Delivering culturally competent nursing care: Working with
diverse and vulnerable populations (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
PAHO/OPS, 25 October. (2024, October 24). Curaçao - profile. Health in the Americas.
https://hia.paho.org/en/country-profiles/curacao#:~:text=Communicable%20diseases,after
%20being%209.3%25%20in%202013.
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Public Service Announcement (PSA) Script
Hello, I am Felicity Nsiah, a public health advocate dedicated to improving community
health in Curaçao. Today, I want to talk to you about a silent but deadly health issue that affects
many in our community—hypertension or high blood pressure. It is often named the "silent
killer" because it tends to have no symptoms, yet it can cause severe health complications if left
untreated.
Need
Did you know that 21% of Curaçao’s population suffers from high blood pressure
(PAHO/ORG, 2024)? Many do not even know they have it. Unchecked hypertension can lead to
heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and even premature death. The Pan American Health
Organization (PAHO/ORG) (2024) reports that Curaçao has high rates of obesity, high sodium
consumption, and physical inactivity, all major risk factors for hypertension. However, here is
the good news—hypertension is preventable and manageable because making small lifestyle
changes can significantly lower your risk and improve your overall health (Valenzuela et al.,
2020).
Solution
You should take control of your health today! Get your blood pressure checked regularly
and if it is high, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations. Reduce salt in your diet, eat
fruits and vegetables, remain active, and maintain a healthy weight. Also, avoid smoking and
limit alcohol consumption. Managing stress is also key—find time to relax, exercise, and engage
in activities that bring you joy (Valenzuela et al., 2020).
Knowledge is power! Visit the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature Curaçao's
website for more information and free resources on managing hypertension. Share this message
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with your friends and family because together, we can fight high blood pressure and build a
healthier, stronger community.
Affiliation
This message is brought to you by the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature
Curaçao, committed to keeping our community informed and healthy.
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