Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Hypertension among Residents of Akpor Community in Rivers State: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition of public health concern. It is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide, and can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. Aim: This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude, and perception of hypertension among residents of Akpor kingdom, a semi-urban community in Rivers State. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design in which 284 apparently healthy community-based adult male and female individuals were purposively selected in four semi-urban communities of Akpor kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. A structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic characteristics and research questions on knowledge, attitude and perception of hypertension was self-administered to the participants after obtaining their informed consents. All other ethical procedures were followed in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data in frequency tables. Results: Majority of the respondents were males 154 (54.2%), married 195 (68.7%), and between the ages of 40 and 50 (41.5%). Majority 164 (57.8%) had good knowledge of hypertension while 18 (6.3%) had no knowledge of hypertension at all. The prevalence of hypertension was 62 (21.8%), while 102 (35.9%) were not aware whether or not they were hypertensive. Majority of the hypertensive respondents 48 (16.9%) knew their status through medical diagnosis in hospitals/clinics while 14 (4.9%) knew theirs through other means. Majority of the hypertensive respondents 34 (54.8%) had a positive attitude in seeking healthcare while 28 (45.2%) had a negative attitude. Regarding lifestyle modification, 16 (25.8%) had a negative attitude/perception of hypertension out of which 9 (14.5%) never engaged in any form of lifestyle modification, while 7 (11.3%) managed their condition through prayers and other religious practices. Conclusion: A substantial percentage of most adult community dwellers still have poor knowledge of hypertension and negative attitude towards seeking healthcare despite the seemingly increase in public health campaigns in our communities. There is need for all stakeholders to join hands and intensify campaigns that would educate the populace on facts about hypertension, its prevention and management