Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND MEDICATION TAKING BEHAVIOUR OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Binu K.M.*, Riya Jose, Sarfaraz Md , H. Doddayya and S. Antin

ABSTRACT

Hypertension continues to be one of the most significant risk factors for the development of stroke, congestive heart failure, coronary heart failure, coronary heart disease and renal disease. The appropriate treatment of hypertension has consistently proven to reduce both the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. Awareness regarding symptoms, treatment, lifestyle modifications and complications among hypertensive patients is a prerequisite for designing strategies for its effective control and prevention. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and medication taking behaviour of hypertensive patients. A hospital based crosssectional study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Almost 308 hypertensive patients answered to a pretested questionnaire. In the study population 68.5% were males and 31.5% females. Most of the patients were illiterate(57.46%). Most of the patients were having moderate physical activities(39%) and were non vegetarians(72.07%). Majority of hypertensive patients(49.02%) were under the age group of 60-79. Almost 48.00% of patients were normal weight. Among the male patients, 31.80% were smokers and 26% were alcoholic. About 64.28% were ready to make lifestyle modifications to prevent hypertension. Only 45.78% were aware of the symptoms of hypertension and 38.63% knew complications. About 61.36% of patients were found compliant towards the treatment regimen. Almost 28.59% of patients cited there reason for non compliance as they could nott afford the cost of medicines. Nearly 20% of patients were prescribed with amlodipine and atenolol combination of drugs. The importance of clinical pharmacist and other health care professionals involvement in monitoring of health problems, reporting possible drug related problems, measuring therapeutic compliance and counseling on lifestyle modification for hypertensive patient were realised.

Keywords: Attitude, Adherence, Hypertension, Knowledge, Non compliance.