To Study Knowledge, Awareness Profile and Status of Control of Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

Hypertension (HTN) is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal morbidity and mortality and is ranked as the third most important risk factor for attributable burden of disease in south Asia. Patient knowledge and awareness of blood pressure (BP) play important roles in the ability to successfully control HTN.

To study the knowledge, awareness profile and status of control of BP in hypertensive patients.

All hypertensive patients on treatment were studied and categorized into urban and rural groups. Patients were asked about the knowledge of target BP to be achieved, compliance to medication, risk factors for HTN and target organ complications of HTN affecting heart, kidneys, eyes and brain. The answers were tabulated and analyzed on percentage scale.

About 2619 patients including 57% urban and 43% rural patients completed the study. Analysis of the data shows that control of BP, compliance, awareness of risk factors and target organ complications was sub-optimal in our patients and results were better in urban patients than in rural patients.

Third world is facing the epidemic of cardiovascular disorders and preventive strategies are essential to combat this epidemic. Our study concludes that hypertensive patients’ knowledge and awareness profile about HTN, target BP to be achieved, risk factors and target organ complications is sub-optimal and urban patient's awareness and knowledge profile is better than in rural patients. Given evidence suggests the importance of awareness and knowledge in increasing patient compliance and BP control.