A Study Protocol to Assess the Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Telehealth Intervention for Hypertension Control in Nepal

"Control group: Patients will receive standard care as per Nepal government guidelines. This includes lifestyle counseling (salt reduction, physical activity, avoiding tobacco/alcohol), antihypertensive medications based on BP and risk profile, and follow-up every 1-3 months. BP will be recorded at 3 and 6 months by research nurses.~Intervention group: Nurse-led telehealth care will be delivered over six months using the Intervention Mapping approach. Participants will receive initial orientation, a BP diary, and instructions to check BP at least twice weekly at nearby centers. Nurses will train local staff, and conduct teleconsultations via Viber/WhatsApp every 15 days (months 1-2) and monthly (months 3-6) covering BP review, adherence, and lifestyle advice. If \<75% of BP readings meet target, nurses will consult physicians for medication adjustments. Emergency protocols will be in place. Data will be collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months."