Effect of Dietary Potassium Intake on Blood Pressure Among Hypertensive Adults Attending a Primary Health Centre in Rivers State, South South Nigeria

Background: Dietary potassium has an established role in blood pressure regulation through mechanisms including natriuresis, vascular smooth muscle relaxation, and sympathetic nervous system modulation. Hypertension prevalence is significant in Rivers State, yet dietary modification strategies receive limited attention at primary care level. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the relationship between estimated dietary potassium intake and systolic and diastolic blood pressure among hypertensive adults attending a primary health centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Methods: One hundred diagnosed hypertensive adults aged 30 to 65 years on standard antihypertensive medication will be recruited. A validated 24-hour dietary recall will estimate potassium intake from common Nigerian food items including plantain, tomatoes, and beans. Blood pressure will be measured using a standardised auscultatory technique. Pearson correlation and multiple regression controlling for medication type and body mass index will be performed. Expected Outcomes: Higher dietary potassium intake is anticipated to correlate inversely with systolic blood pressure, even after controlling for antihypertensive medication use. Conclusion: Findings will support the integration of dietary counselling into hypertension management at primary health care level in Nigeria. Keywords: dietary potassium, blood pressure, hypertension, primary health care, Rivers State.