Community Pharmacists’ Role in Hypertension Screening and Referral in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor with rising prevalence across Nigerian urban communities. Community pharmacies, as accessible primary contact points, present significant opportunities for hypertension screening and early referral. This descriptive study assessed the role of community pharmacists in hypertension screening, patient counseling, and referral practices in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A total of 60 community pharmacies were purposively selected and their pharmacists interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Complementary observational checklists were also completed for each pharmacy. Findings indicated that 72 percent of pharmacies owned functional blood pressure monitors, but only 38 percent of pharmacists routinely offered unsolicited blood pressure checks to walk-in customers. Counseling on lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, physical activity, and sodium restriction was offered in fewer than 30 percent of observed patient interactions. Referral to physicians upon detecting elevated blood pressure was inconsistently practiced, with pharmacists citing patient resistance and lack of formal referral pathways as major barriers. The study identified training gaps in cardiovascular risk assessment and motivational interviewing among community pharmacists. It recommends structured screening programs, formal referral networks between community pharmacies and tertiary health facilities, and continuing professional development initiatives. The pharmacy profession in Rivers State can play a transformative role in reducing cardiovascular disease burden through proactive screening and patient engagement. Keywords: hypertension screening, community pharmacy, Port Harcourt, referral, cardiovascular disease