Knowledge about Hypertension among the Hypertensive and Normotensive Population

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is a chronic lifestyle-related condition in which the blood vessels have persistently elevated pressure leading to fatal health complications such as cardiovascular deaths, heart failure, stroke, brain hemorrhage, and renal failure. The present study aims to assess the level of knowledge about hypertension in the total study sample as well as to compare the level of knowledge about hypertension among the hypertensive and normotensive participants. The level of knowledge about hypertension was also compared across four patient age-groups and between men and women. The Hypertension Knowledge Schedule, consisting of 16 hypertension related knowledge questions, was developed and validated. The study sample comprised of 96 hypertensive and 104 normotensive participants recruited from an outpatient primary care facility and a community-based setting in Hyderabad, India. The results of the study indicated that the hypertensive participants had a significantly higher level of knowledge about hypertension as compared to their normotensive counterparts. Participants in the older age-groups and women were found to have significantly better knowledge about hypertension as compared to their younger counterparts and men. Overall, the level of knowledge about hypertension, among the total study sample was found to be inadequate. Health education to increase awareness about hypertension should be imparted in schools, colleges, workplaces and primary care facilities to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of this health condition.