Abstract:
The study sought to assess the role of non-pharmacological activities in the management of
hypertension. Specifically, it aimed at assessing the impact of dance therapy on the
management of hypertension, and the prospects of integrating it into the healthcare system.
The study adopted the mixed method approach including experimental research design, using
the case study of Abokobi Health Centre in the Greater Accra Region. For the quantitative
part of this study, a randomized control approach was used, which comprised a test group
(that underwent dance therapy sessions) and a control group that was on (alternate vital
drugs). Blood pressure levels of respondents ‘before’ and ‘after’ the treatment processes for
both control and test groups were tested quantitatively using paired-sample mean t-test. The
findings show that the control group experienced an increase in blood pressure while the
experimental group (those that participated in the dance therapy) experienced reduced blood
pressure levels. The qualitative aspect of this study employed the use of in-depth interviews
with the study participants and health officials. The use of dance therapy in hypertension
management has prospects because of its additional strengths in terms of cultural friendliness,
promotion of social interaction and cost effectiveness. However, the key challenges that may
impede its adoption or integration include the availability of trained dance resource persons,
resources mobilization [both financial and facilities], difficulty in running dance sessions
parallel to pharmacological prescriptions, difficulty in getting patients to participate, and a
possibility of stigmatization. However, the study provides key strategies to counter these
potential challenges so as to enhance the integration process. From the experimental design
and qualitative interviews, the study concludes that dance therapy has an impact on reducing
blood pressure at a significant level therefore complementing the orthodox pharmacological
treatment processes remains key. This study further argues that dance therapy approach is not
only efficacious but also possesses other socio-economic dimensions that could be exploited
to enhance its adoption. Key strategies to address integration challenges involves managerial
support, and the adoption of an appropriate policy direction, that defines the integration
process and other ramifications, a need to train healthcare professionals on the efficacies,
origin, and success stories of dance therapy in hypertension management, offering a
sensitization process aimed at effectively reorienting the minds of hypertensive patients
towards the efficacy of dance therapy. It is also imperative to partner with key stakeholders
and opinion leaders.