Knowledge, Practice and Attitudes Towards Lifestyle Modifications Regarding Hypertension in Women

Miyanda Petty; Arifa Patel

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) is a major precipitating factor for cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease and stroke. Despite the intensive use of pharmacological agents, a rise in poorly controlled hypertensive cases has been observed due to the underutilization of therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) treatment approach. Objective of the study is to assess the knowledge, practice and attitudes of women towards lifestyle therapeutic modifications regarding hypertension among women in a third world country in Lusaka locality in 2019. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a sample size of 116 women. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized for data analysis. Results shows excessive weight gain (91.4%) and alcohol consumption (87.1%) were prevalent risk factors for hypertension. (58.6%) correctly explained the meaning of hypertension. Majority (53.4%) of the participants were not knowledgeable about excessive alcohol consumption and smoking being risk factor. Significant associations between education level and knowledge on excessive weight, smoking and excessive salt intake (P values < 0.05) risk factors were noted. Excellent knowledge levels (53.4%) were recorded. Regular exercise (81%) was the prevalent practiced lifestyle modification. Most participants felt that TLC did not matter provided one was on anti-hypertensive drugs. However, majority (62.1%) had an acceptable attitude towards lifestyle modification regarding hypertension. Conclusion of the study shows participants had a fairly good understanding about hypertension and showed a positive towards lifestyle changes. Despite this, therapeutic lifestyle practices were average. The researchers are of the opinion that novel approaches are inevitable in middle income countries to aid patients in the application of their knowledge on therapeutic lifestyle changes.