The Effect of a Nurse-Led Intervention on Peripheral Artery Disease among Hypertensive Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which blood flow to the legs becomes reduced. It is common among people with cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, but it may not always cause clear symptoms. Early identification is therefore important. The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a simple and non-invasive test that can help identify reduced blood flow in the lower limbs. Nurse-led education and regular support may help patients follow healthy lifestyle practices and manage PAD more effectively.

Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was used. The study included 300 hypertensive patients from selected hospitals in Sangli District, Maharashtra, India. Participants were divided into an experimental group (150) and a control group (150) using purposive sampling. Demographic and clinical information was collected, and ABI was assessed before and after the intervention. The clinical profile included blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood sugar, serum sodium and co-morbidities. The experimental group received a structured nurse-led intervention covering PAD education, lifestyle changes, physical activity, self-care, risk-factor management and follow-up. The control group received routine care. Paired and unpaired t tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Of the 300 participants, 186 (62.0%) were identified with PAD. Mild PAD was found in 105 (35.0%) and moderate PAD in 81 (27.0%) participants. Before the intervention, the mean ABI was 0.79 ± 0.12 in the experimental group and 0.78 ± 0.11 in the control group, with no significant difference (p=0.48). After the intervention, the mean ABI increased to 0.88 ± 0.13 in the experimental group and 0.80 ± 0.12 in the control group. The improvement was significant in the experimental group (t=10.62, p<0.001), while the control group showed no significant change (t=1.82, p=0.07). The post-test difference between groups was also significant (t=5.67, p<0.001).

Conclusion: PAD was commonly identified among the hypertensive patients studied. The nurse-led intervention was associated with significant improvement in ABI. The findings show that nurses can play an important role in PAD assessment, patient education, lifestyle guidance, self-care and follow-up.