Knowledge Regarding Hypertension and Amount of Diet Consumption Among Adults From Uttarakhand: A Comparative Survey.

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is becoming more common worldwide, and by 2025, its incidence is predicted to rise by 32.4%. The present study aims to assess the knowledge related to hypertension and the amount of diet consumption among adults at risk of developing hypertension in both rural and urban areas of Uttarakhand.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 667 adults at risk of hypertension. The study sample included adults selected from the rural and urban communities of Uttarakhand. A semi-structured questionnaire on knowledge regarding hypertension and self-reported amount of diet consumption was used as a tool for data collection.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants in this study was 51.46 ± 1.44 years, and the majority of the participants had poor knowledge regarding hypertension as a disease and its consequences as well as preventive measures. The mean days for consumption of fruits were three days, four days for green vegetables, two days for eggs, and two days for a well-balanced diet, and the mean ± SD of a non-vegetarian diet consumption was 128 ± 182 gm. Another highlighted significant mean difference was found between knowledge of raised blood pressure with the amount of consumption of fruits, green leafy vegetables, a non-vegetarian diet, and a well-balanced diet.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, knowledge of blood pressure and raised blood pressure with its related factors was poor among all participants. The average consumption of all types of diet was two to three days a week, which was borderline, based on recommended dietary allowances. The knowledge related to raised blood pressure and its associated factors had significant mean differences for the mean consumption of fruits, non-vegetarian diet, and well-balanced diet.