Level of knowledge about prevention of arterial hypertension in patients without this disease

Abstract

Introduction: Arterial hypertension is a growing problem in Peru and one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality. However, many people are not aware of the prevention of this disease. The objective of this study is to identify the level of knowledge about the prevention of arterial hypertension in patients who do not have this disease in a clinic in Lima Norte-Peru, 2021. Methods: The study was cross-sectional descriptive. The sample consisted of 235 patients of both sexes who attended an outpatient clinic. A questionnaire was used to measure the level of knowledge, sociodemographic and clinical data of the patient. Only the patient's current clinical history was used to measure glucose, mean arterial pressure and body mass index. Results: It is evident that the level of knowledge about the prevention of hypertension was medium (46.81%). Regarding its dimensions, the level of knowledge about the generalities of prevention was medium (39.15%) and the level of knowledge about the risk factors of this disease was low (42.55%). On the other hand, the majority did not receive any talk about hypertension (94.89%). The average body mass index was 27 (overweight). Conclusions: The level of knowledge of patients about the prevention of arterial hypertension is regular. Also, most of them are overweight. It is necessary to promote awareness of a healthy lifestyle to patients.