Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the hypertension-related knowledge, attitudes, behaviors (KAB), and socio-demographic determinants among community-dwellers who were at risk for hypertension in Shanghai, China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a district of Shanghai in 2017 using multi-stage cluster sampling, including 611 participants who were at risk for hypertension. Questionnaires were used to investigate KAB regarding hypertension prevention. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and hypertension-related KAB. The results indicated that more than 75% of the study population had accurate knowledge, but only 48.4% knew the Recommended Daily Intake of salt for adults; over 80% formed health beliefs, while less than 50% were keeping a healthy diet, maintaining regular physical activity and/or bodyweight control. Better knowledge was found in the below 60 age group (p < 0.01) and the 60–69 age group (p = 0.03) than in the ≥70 age group. The behaviors in females (p < 0.01) were better than in males and were better in those covered by the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (p = 0.01) than in those with the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance. In conclusion, although the rates of accurate knowledge and belief of hypertension prevention were high in the study population, the rates of maintaining healthy behaviors were relatively low. Socio-demographic factors had important influences on hypertension-related KAB. Further health education and intervention of hypertension prevention was needed to improve their level of KAB and reduce their risk for hypertension among the target groups.
Highlights
Hypertension is one of the most important public health problems in the world [1]
Epidemiological studies have shown that prehypertensive people have doubled the risk of developing hypertension compared to individuals with normal blood pressure (BP) [5], and the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are higher [6]
The results indicated that approximately half of the participants were not familiar with the diagnostic criteria for hypertension, the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of salt, or that heart failure was a complication of hypertension
Summary
Hypertension is one of the most important public health problems in the world [1]. It is the major risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke, which contributes to a tremendous disease burden and millions of deaths globally [2]. It is estimated that there will be 352 million hypertensive patients in China by 2030 according to the current trend of increase in the prevalence [4], which will bring huge disease and economic burden to the families and the society. The enormous amount of the high-risk subjects would become a huge pressure on individuals, families, and the society once they develop hypertension [8]. It is of great importance to manage the high-risk individuals, as a key pathway to reduce the prevalence of hypertension
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