Publication: Knowledge and attitude of hypertension among adults who attend the outpatient clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
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Date
2024
Authors
Zahidin, Nurulnajwa
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Abstract
Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is caused by an excessive force of blood on the walls of your blood vessels. A value of 140/90 mmHg or greater is indicative of hypertension. The study aims to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward hypertension among adults attending outpatient clinics at Hospital USM. A crosssectional study was conducted on adults aged 18 to 60 years old. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. 165 adults attending the outpatient clinics at Hospital USM who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this study. They were selected through the convenience sampling method. Data collected were statistically analysed using the SPSS software version 27. The study used descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square. The results show that 119 (72.1%) of participants have a good level of knowledge of hypertension and 84 (50.9%) of participants have a good attitude towards hypertension. However, the good level of attitude is nearly the same as the moderate level of attitude which is 80 (48.5%). There was no association between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.079), the result shows only 66 (40.0 %) of participants have good knowledge and good attitude. Lastly, there was no association between sociodemographic factors [age (p = 0.197), gender (p = 0.232), education level (p = 0.057), occupational status (p = 0.273), smoking status (p = 0.201), family history of hypertension (p = 0.996) and exercise status (p = 0.174)] and the level of attitude toward hypertension. However, only marital status (p = 0.044) has an association with the level of knowledge toward hypertension. Next, there is also no association between sociodemographic characteristics [age (p = 0.0.269), gender (p = 0.441), marital status (p = 0.687), education level (p = 0.356), occupational status (p = 0.284), smoking status (p = 0.882), family history of hypertension (p = 0.395) and exercise status (p = 0.104)] with the level of attitude toward hypertension. In conclusion, the level of knowledge and attitude toward hypertension among adults must be enhanced and improved so that they are more knowledgeable about preventing hypertension.