Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension Among Urban Dwellers in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Introduction: Hypertension continues to remain a significant public health concern for the past few decades in both developed and developing countries. The disease also continues to increase significant mortality and morbidity due to patients’ poor management causing an increasing impact on other chronic illnesses. This can be controlled only when the knowledge and attitude of people toward hypertension are adequate for them to practice the measures of prevention and management.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending the outpatient department (OPD) of the Internal Medicine and Hypertension Centre of Excellence, MGM Healthcare Hospital, Chennai. A validated self-administered QR-coded questionnaire was developed focusing on assessing mainly three factors amidst patients – knowledge, attitude and practice of the known information in the area of hypertension. Enrolled patients were asked to fill up the questionnaire and their blood pressure levels were recorded using a digital
sphygmomanometer.
Results: Three hundred and ninety-four patients were enrolled where 84% of them were under 45 years of age and 58% were males. 70% of participants recorded a moderate knowledge grade (25.2 (±12.4)) and the attitude score was good (4.29 (±1.7)). However, the practice including regular check-ups, screening, and diet and physical activity was sub-optimal.
Conclusion: Thus, the need to enforce adequate education that can influence appropriate attitudes and practice towards preventing or maintaining hypertension under control is evident, to ensure behavioral changes leading to improved quality of life.
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