Abstract
Hypertension mortality could be reduced by compliance with treatments and hygienic rules. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards hypertension among hypertensive patients at Tanve (Benin) in 2018. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. It included, people aged 25 and over, followed in Tanve Health Study and screened hypertensive during the 2017 visit. An individual interview was used for the data collection in 2018. The evaluation of the KAPs was made by questions with two optional answers, marked 0 or 1: 24 for knowledge, 8 for attitudes and 12 for practices. The level was rated good when the score was ≥ 3rd quartile of the theoretical score. Results: A total of 380 people were surveyed, 67.9% of whom were women; the mean age was 52.4 ± 16.5 years. Among them, 22.6% had a good level of knowledge and 89.7% had good attitudes. Only 50.1% of the respondents were aware of their history of hypertension. Few of them (5.2%) had good practices towards hypertension. Conclusion: This study shows a low level of knowledge and practices towards hypertension. Interventions for the therapeutic education of hypertensive patients would be effective within the target population.
Highlights
Hypertension constitutes a major public health concern worldwide, due to its high frequency and mortality [1,2,3]
The results agree with those previously observed in a rural peripheral health center of south-western Benin where only 21.9% of hypertensive patients had a good knowledge relating to their condition
A significant association between good knowledge relating to hypertension and urban residence has been noted in Ethiopia [19, 20]
Summary
Hypertension constitutes a major public health concern worldwide, due to its high frequency and mortality [1,2,3]. It is a long-term condition, often asymptomatic, which is revealed by cardiovascular and renal complications [4]. More than a quarter of the world's adult population is hypertensive, and this proportion is expected to reach 30% by 2025, if the response is not effective [1]. Despite the availability of treatments, hypertension is inadequately treated and controlled [3, 5,6,7]. The poor prognosis for uncontrolled hypertension can be avoided by regular medical monitoring and a healthy lifestyle. Compliance with hygiene rules and drugs by hypertensive patients require good knowledge and a good perception of the hypertension associated risk
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