THE ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATIONAL LEVEL WITH KNOWLEDGE, RISK FACTORS, MANAGEMENT AND COMPLICATIONS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG SOUTH ASIANS WITH HYPERTENSION TREATED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Piyusha Milani Atapattu*, Vindika Prasad Sinhabahu, Chandrika Jayakanthi Subasinghe

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major global health problem with low and middle-income countries bearing 80% hypertension burden and complications. Patients’ awareness contributes to reducing morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 hypertensive patients attending medical clinics in National Hospital of Sri Lanka were evaluated using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Their body mass index (BMI) and arterial blood pressure were measured. RESULTS: Mean age was 65 years (SD=+/-9.35) and 37% were males. Most had hypertension for >5 years(64.5%), were educated up to ordinary level(58%) and had symptoms or complications(65%) at diagnosis. Hypertension-related complications were present in 67%. All received antihypertensive medications. Majority was aware of risk factors: sedentary lifestyle(70.5%), obesity(58%), smoking(56%), complications: myocardial infarction(84%) and stroke(86%) and non-pharmacological management: physical activity(78%), smoking cessation(63%), weight reduction(83.5%), salt restriction(84.5%). Educational level showed significant association with knowledge about risk factors for hypertension: kidney disease(p=0.01) & emotional factors(p=0.03), complications: myocardial infarction(p=0.02) & stroke(p=0.006), non-pharmacological management: exercise(p-0.01) & weight reduction(p=0.001), awareness of the target blood pressure(p<0.000) and their last blood pressure reading(p=0.045). Mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were 147.65mmHg and 87.41mmHg respectively, and 43% had elevated blood pressure. The majority(54%) were obese or overweight (mean BMI: males=24.65kg/m2, females=22.67kg/m2). Females had significantly higher SBP(p=0.007) though males had significantly higher BMI(p=0.003). SBP(p=0.004) and DBP(p=0.002) increased significantly with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients’ knowledge regarding aetiology, complications and management of hypertension was satisfactory, and was significantly associated with educational level. Blood pressure and BMI were suboptimal. Improving education and implementing measures for better management is required in this population.

Keywords: Hypertension Knowledge Educational level South Asian Risk factors.