Ahmed Eslah H H, Maphasha Olga M, Okeke Sunday O
Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2025 May 15;67(1):e1-e8. doi: 10.4102/safp.v67i1.6094.
Hypertension is a major global public health issue, with effective management relying heavily on patient adherence to lifestyle changes and medication. Understanding demographic influences on these behaviours is vital for targeted intervention. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to hypertension among patients at a district hospital in Tshwane, South Africa.
A descriptive cross-sectional study used a structured, piloted questionnaire adapted from previous studies with 283 participants at a Tshwane district hospital.
The mean knowledge score was 55.2%, with gaps in understanding normal blood pressure (BP) values (46.29%) and risk factors (18.02%). Attitudes were positive, with 97.6% endorsing regular BP checks and 93.3% supporting salt reduction. Practices were moderate, with 70% never missing medication and 58% regularly monitoring weight. Higher education correlated with better knowledge and attitudes (p 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Non-smokers and non-drinkers exhibited better health practices (p 0.001). Age negatively correlated with knowledge (r = -0.15, p = 0.010) and attitudes (r = -0.19, p = 0.002).
While attitudes towards hypertension are generally positive, knowledge and practices remain suboptimal. Targeted educational interventions, tailored to diverse socio-demographic factors, are essential to enhancing adherence.Contribution: This study identified gaps in hypertension management in Tshwane, aiding in the development of more effective, patient-centred educational programmes.
高血压是一个重大的全球公共卫生问题，其有效管理在很大程度上依赖于患者坚持生活方式改变和药物治疗。了解人口统计学对这些行为的影响对于有针对性的干预至关重要。本研究评估了南非茨瓦内一家地区医院患者中与高血压相关的知识、态度和行为。
一项描述性横断面研究使用了一份结构化的、经过预试验的问卷，该问卷改编自先前的研究，共有283名茨瓦内地区医院的参与者。
平均知识得分是55.2%，在理解正常血压（BP）值（46.29%）和危险因素（18.02%）方面存在差距。态度是积极的，97.6%的人认可定期血压检查，93.3%的人支持减少盐摄入。行为处于中等水平，70%的人从不漏服药物，58%的人定期监测体重。高等教育与更好的知识和态度相关（分别为p < 0.001，p = 0.001）。不吸烟者和不饮酒者表现出更好的健康行为（p < 0.001）。年龄与知识（r = -0.15，p = 0.010）和态度（r = -0.19，p = 0.002）呈负相关。
虽然对高血压的态度总体上是积极的，但知识和行为仍不理想。针对不同社会人口学因素量身定制的有针对性的教育干预对于提高依从性至关重要。贡献：本研究确定了茨瓦内高血压管理中的差距，有助于制定更有效、以患者为中心的教育计划。
