KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT HYPERTENSION AND DIETARY PRACTICES IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS OF ITAHARI

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most crucial health problems and most chronic disease in the developed and underdeveloped countries which is further expanded due to ignorance and lack of knowledge. The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about hypertension and their dietary practices among hypertensive patients of Itahari, Sunsari. Among total 29 wards, 5 wards were selected by using simple random sampling technique. 148 clinically diagnosed patients of hypertension who are taking anti hypertensive drugs of age group 18-59 years were taken. Anthropometric measurements and well designed structured questionnaire was used to collect information. The study revealed that 77%, 48.4% and 42% of the patient had a good knowledge, attitude and practice score respectively. The main associating factor with KAP score (p<0.05) was education level and physical activity of the patient. Age group and genetic history was not found statistically significant (p<0.05) with KAP score. No significant relation was found between knowledge and blood pressure level. Dietary practice shows that diet rich in fruits and vegetables were consumed by the patients, however salt intake was found to be higher. Overall, the study revealed good knowledge and attitude score but has poor practice score among hypertensive patient. Despite of having good knowledge and attitude of participant towards healthy life style habits, the practice regarding lifestyle modification among hypertensive patients were generally low. Therefore, awareness programs and educational interventions programs targeting hypertensive patient should be launched.