Assessment of knowledge on the disease, its complications and management strategies among hypertensive patients attending medical clinics at Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background Hypertension is an important public health challenge and is a major risk factor for many other diseases. Lack of knowledge on the dangers of untreated hypertension, the benefits of better control and poor management practices are barriers for effective hypertensive care. Objective The aim of the study was to describe the level of knowledge on the disease, its complications and management strategies among hypertensive patients attending Medical Clinics at Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted mong 424 patients diagnosed with ‘essential hypertension’ attending medical clinics. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15. A scoring system was used to assess the overall knowledge of the participants. Results The study population consisted of 174(41%) males and 250(59%) females. Nearly 43% stated that blood pressure of 120/80mmHg was normal. Only 3.3% were aware that hypertension may be asymptomatic. The main aggravating factors for hypertension identified by participants were stress (59.2%) and high salt intake (50.9%). Organs damaged by poorly controlled hypertension were identified as the heart (50%) and kidneys (26%). Sixty four percent said that both medication and lifestyle modifications are useful to control hypertension. Blood pressure lowering strategies identified were reducing body weight (76.0%) and salt reduction (81.1%). Only 45.0% agreed that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables improves control of hypertension. A minority (2.4%) were unsure of non-pharmacological management strategies. Overall knowledge score was inadequate (<50%) among 391(92%), with a mean of 30.8% (SD ± 15.5) ranging from 4.4 – 89.1%. Conclusions Inadequate knowledge on hypertension, its complications and management strategies was seen. Targeted health education strategies are urgently needed to improve knowledge to prevent consequences of poorly controlled hypertension.