Awareness about hypertension among entry year undergraduate health science students in gulf medical university, Ajman, UAE

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is a colossal problem experienced by one in three adults, leading to 1,000 deaths in a day that people need to be aware of various aspects regarding blood pressure. To determine the level of awareness about hypertension among entry year undergraduate heath science students in Ajman, UAE. A cross sectional study among students enrolled in first year, in the four academic programs, with the use of a validated, self-administered questionnaire on different domains of hypertension such as general knowledge, symptoms, complications, risk factors, treatment and management as well as sources of information. Each factor/statement was given a score of one if it was answered correctly and zero for a wrong answer. Out of a total score, a score of fifty percent and above was considered as good knowledge and a score less than fifty percent considered no knowledge. The data was analyzed by SPSS 20, Chi square and Fisher exact test was done. Out of 161 participants, 130 participants were female accounted for 72.3%, and 82 participants were Non Arabs. Domain with highest level of awareness was treatment and management [99%], followed by general knowledge [95%], risk factors [85%], symptoms [80%], lastly complication [70%]. Some knowledge gaps were identified in the domains general knowledge [not curable - 35.4%,classification-42.9%], symptoms [difficulty in breathing - 35.4%,epistaxis - 36.6%],complication [kidney - 40.4%],risk factors [coffee intake - 21.1%,smoking cessation - 21.7%,regular cell phone usage - 23.6%, lack of vitamin D -33.5%, male gender - 34.2%].Regarding treatment and management the importance of regular eye checkup was the least one known by the participants [65.8%]. Majority of the participants -74.5% - reported World Wide Web and internet as their source of information. Overall, no significant association was noted except for prior health related course and family history of hypertension. The study shows overall good level of awareness in all domains with some gaps noted in domains such as knowledge of definition of hypertension, symptoms, complication and risk factors, whereas knowledge on treatment and management was comparatively good. A larger study would enable health promotion activities tailored to the needs of this age group