Cross-Sectional Study To Assess The Knowledge About Hypertension, The Self Efficacy Skills And Treatment Adherence Of Hypertensive Patients In Kashmir Valley

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is often called as silent killer. It a risk factor for many diseases that affect the body. Hypertension and its complications have an enormous impact on the health care system. Owing to these facts, the present study was conducted.

Objectives:

1)To determine the knowledge about hypertension in the hypertensive patients of Kashmir valley 2)To assess the self-efficacy skills of these patients regarding treatment adherence 3)To assess the treatment adherence and factors associated with it.

Study design:            Cross-sectional study

Study participants: Hypertensive patients > 18 years attending District Hospitals of Kashmir Valley.

Methods: Sample size was 422. Sample was taken by consecutive sampling using Probability Proportionate To Size (PPS) technique. In the Medical OPD’s, hypertensive patients were enrolled based on eligibility criteria till required sample for that facility was obtained. After collecting socio-demographic details, knowledge about hypertension was assessed using HFQ Questionnaire. For self efficacy skills and treatment adherence validated scales i.e, MASES scale and MMAS scale were used respectively.

Results:

 About 56% participants had average, 19.4% had adequate and 24.7% had poor knowledge about hypertension participants. Majority(74.4%) participants had a low medication adherence. About 56% of the participants  had good self efficacy skills and only  5.7% had poor self efficacy skills regarding anti hypertensive medication adherence.

Conclusion: Despite encouraging findings observed regarding the knowledge and self efficacy about hypertension, a poor level of adherence to medication was observed.

Implications: Awareness needs to be disseminated in the community regarding timely diagnosis, follow up and treatment of hypertension with special focus on consequences of poor medication adherence.