Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria: Hypertension Diabetes Integration Study- Formative Aim 3

Summary

The purpose of the second phase of the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria (HTN 2.0) Program is to build upon the success of the first phase of the HTN Program (2020-2023), which implemented the WHO HEARTS package across 60 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This program demonstrated significant improvements in hypertension treatment and control. The focus of aim 3 will be evaluating diabetes management through the implementation of the HEARTS-D bundle in 10 PHCs across the FCT that previously participated in the initial HTN Program.

Conditions

• Diabete Mellitus

Interventions

OTHER

Implementation of program based on WHO HEARTS-D guidelines

This study uses an interrupted time series design to compare diabetes screening, diagnosis, treatment, and control across a 12-month pre-implementation period and a 24-month implementation period in 10 primary healthcare centers in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory. Sites previously demonstrated capacity to deliver hypertension care and will continue hypertension services while expanding to diabetes care through the HEARTS diabetes module (HEARTS-D). Pre-implementation includes registry setup and provision of glucometers without diabetes treatment training. Implementation includes HEARTS-D training, supply provision, expansion of the drug revolving fund to diabetes medicines, and quarterly supportive supervision.

DRUG

Metformin

Description: Oral biguanide used as first-line glucose-lowering therapy within the HEARTS-D stepped-care protocol. Dosing per protocol: 500 mg once daily (Step 1), 1000 mg once daily (Step 2), 1000 mg twice daily (Step 3 and Step 4). Supplied through the expanded drug revolving fund during the implementation period.

DRUG

Glimepiride

Oral sulfonylurea used as add-on therapy at Step 4 of the HEARTS-D stepped-care protocol when blood glucose remains uncontrolled on metformin. Starting dose 1 mg once daily, titrated by 1-2 mg to a maximum of 8 mg daily. Supplied through the expanded drug revolving fund during the implementation period.

DEVICE

Point-of-care blood glucose monitor (glucometer) and compatible test strips

Point-of-care capillary blood glucose monitor with compatible single-use test strips and lancets, used at participating primary health centers for diabetes screening, diagnosis, and monitoring per WHO HEARTS-D. Glucometers and test strips are provided to all sites during pre-implementation (registry setup) and replenished during implementation through the supply chain and drug revolving fund.

BEHAVIORAL

HEARTS-D training and quarterly supportive supervision for community health extension workers (CHEWs)

Structured training of CHEWs on the HEARTS-D protocol covering diabetes screening, diagnosis, stepped-care treatment, follow-up, and referral, delivered at the start of the implementation period and reinforced by quarterly supportive supervision visits with audit-and-feedback throughout the 24-month implementation period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

  collaborator NIH

• University of Abuja Teaching Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Washington University School of Medicine

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-01

Primary Completion

2029-04-30

Completion

2030-01-31