Assessment of Health Awareness Concerning Hypertension among Visitors to Primary Health Care Centers

Entisar Khaleel Sameen; Shaymaa Hadi  Najm

doi:10.17605/cajmns.v6i4.2931

Entisar Khaleel Sameen Department of Community Health, Medical-Technical Institute, Baghdad Middle Technical, University, Iraq
Shaymaa Hadi Najm Department of Community Health, Medical-Technical Institute, Baghdad Middle Technical, University, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/cajmns.v6i4.2931

Keywords: High Blood Pressure, Health Awareness, Health Centers, Risk Factors

Abstract

High blood pressure is a major public health problem globally and locally and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and stroke. Raising health awareness among community members is a crucial step toward prevention and early detection of the disease. This study aims to assess the level of health awareness about hypertension among healthcare center visitors, identify their sources of information, and identify knowledge gaps. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of health center visitors. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic information (age, gender, educational level, marital status), in addition to questions measuring general knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment methods. The results showed that the most representative group was middle-aged (30 to 50) years old and that the majority of participants were female. The most common educational level was secondary education, while most participants were married. Regarding the level of knowledge, it was found that more than a third of participants had good knowledge (37.6%), while the level of knowledge was average for 35.6% and weak for 25.7%. The results also showed that the Internet was the most relied-upon source of information (44.6%), while participants relied less on health personnel and traditional media. The results indicated a statistically significant relationship between each of these. Age and educational level Educational level was associated with knowledge level (p=0.014) (p<0.001), respectively However, gender did not show any significant relationship. These results indicate that older age and higher educational level are associated with better knowledge about hypertension. These results highlight the need for regular educational awareness programs in healthcare facilities to raise awareness about high blood pressure, with a particular focus on the least educated and most vulnerable groups.

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