Knowledge and Prevalence of Hypertension and its Associated Risk Factors among the People in Thiruvallur Districts

Abstract

Introduction:

Hypertension remains a major public health challenge and it is identified as the leading risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It accounts for one-third of the global preventable premature deaths annually. Knowledge gaps are important barriers in the effective prevention and treatment of hypertension. Knowledge and understanding of hypertension and its associated health risks remain inadequate despite the increasing trend of hypertension prevalence. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, knowledge and perceptions of hypertension among the people in ThiruvallurDistrict,Tamilnadu , India .

Materials and methods:

A set of 15 questionnaires regards to assess the level of knowledge and prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors were taken and 100 participants of independent age and sex were selected by random sampling method and asked them to fill the questionnaire. Survey was conducted on an online forum and the results were obtained and statistically analysed.

Results:

Among 100 participants, 62 of them were Male and 38 of them were Female. 30 % of them were known hypertensive and more than 50 % of the participants don’t know whether they were hypertensive or not. More than 60 % of the participants were not aware whether their blood pressure is under control. 70 % of the participants were not aware that hypertension is a chronic disease and stroke is an associated risk factor of hypertension.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates an increased occlusion, prevalence of hypertension, knowledge gaps and misconceptions surrounding hypertension among the people in ThiruvallurDistrict . This evidence is useful in streamlining interventional programmes aimed at improving knowledge and prevention of hypertension. This study has unveiled important barriers to hypertension prevention ; lack of appropriate information about hypertension and misconceptions . This study further identified a positive enabler ; a high level of awareness which is useful in realigning existing interventions to prevent and control hypertension in rural settings .