P073 KNOWLEDGE OF HYPERTENSION AND HOME BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN INDIA: RESULTS FROM THE GRAND STUDY

Abstract

Background and Objective: Hypertension remains a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in India, contributing substantially to cardiovascular mortality. Despite the rising prevalence of hypertension, blood pressure control among hypertensive patients remains low, emphasizing the need for improved hypertension management and treatment. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) serves as a vital tool in hypertension management, yet its recognition and utilization in developing countries like India remain limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of hypertension and HBPM among hypertensive patients across 18 medical centers in 12 States in India. Methods: A survey was conducted among 1,920 hypertensive patients, analyzing the patients’ background, the reasons for home blood pressure (HBP) measurement and non-HBP measurement, and associated factors to knowledge levels of hypertension and HBPM. Results: Findings revealed that 47.5% were measuring HBP, with reasons mainly attributed to physicians’ recommendations, while cost and lack of physician guidance were common reasons for non-HBP measurement. High knowledge levels of hypertension and HBPM significantly associated with measuring HBP (OR 16.23; 11.28-23.35, P-value <0.001), however, a significant gap existed in adherence to the optimal guidelines-based procedures of HBPM with only 40.7% following any 2 out of 8 steps to measure HBP. Conclusions: These results highlight the necessity for increased physicians’ recommendations of HBP measurement and providing clear instructions for measuring HBP aligned with guideline-based procedures.