Public’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Related to Hypertension
Nehad J. Ahmed *
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulrahman S. Alrawili
College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
Faisal Z. Alkhawaja
College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
Othman S. Alanazi
College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed to describe the public’s knowledge and beliefs on hypertension and its treatment in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study included a survey was used to collect demographic data of the respondents and the response to the main questions of the survey that were close-ended questions.
Results: Most of the respondents agreed that aging (81.17), family history (74.06%), smoking (69.46%), eating fatty foods (80.33), and overweight (83.26%) are risk factors of developing hypertension. Additionally, more than 90% agreed that regular physical exercise reduces hypertension and 89.54% of them agreed that more salt consumption increases blood pressure.
Conclusion: The respondents had a good knowledge about hypertension and how to prevent it. But still more health education about hypertension prevention and blood pressure control was needed.
Keywords: Beliefs, hypertension, knowledge