Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors of Hypertension among Young Adult Students

Globally Hypertension (HTN) is an important cause of morbidity & mortality. It is easy to diagnose HTN at an affordable cost. Timely diagnosis will have positive impact on preserve & protect the ill health effects. The prevalence of hypertension is high in India varying from 22.2% in Meghalaya to 44.0% in Punjab and is rising among young population. Cardiovascular risk is reduced through awareness & simple modification in life style like quitting smoking, healthy dietary habits, exercise and managing stress. Present study was conducted on 454 student participants belonging to the age group of 16–29 yrs of age. The objective of the study is to find out knowledge about HTN & its association with family history & demographic characteristics amongst the young students. Data were collected using pretested questionnaire for demographic characteristics & awareness about HTN, its reasons & health effects. The data analysis showed that the participants had good knowledge pertaining to the causes and complications of hypertension and lack of physical activity as an important risk factor. However, they lack in knowledge of stress being a risk factor for developing hypertension in future. Chi-square test showed that both academic background and gender were having statistically significant association with knowledge regarding reasons for hypertension whereas only academic background was having statistically significant association with knowledge regarding effects of hypertension. Therefore, timely screening and adequate medical and dietary interventions will not only help to reduce prevalence of hypertension but also reduce the risk of developing related health implications.