Knowledge Related to Hypertension Risk Factors, Diet, and Lifestyle Modification: A Comparative Study Between Hypertensive and Non-Hypertensive Individuals

Introduction This study was conducted to explore the three-dimensioned knowledge level of hypertension risk factors (i.e. a three parts questionnaire in addition to the demographic section that discusses in each a dimension of hypertension-related knowledge which is hypertension high-risk factors dimension, diet modifications dimension, and lifestyle behavior modifications dimension to either prevent or control hypertension), the needed diet and lifestyle modifications to either cope with or prevent hypertension among the study participants. The study also examined the significance of the relationship between the two groups and their knowledge of hypertension three dimensions as well as their age, gender, family history, education, and participants’ occupation. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, a disproportionate stratified random sampling was used which stratified the sample into two groups i.e. hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals between 30 and 50 years old from the community of the city of Abha, Saudi Arabia. A developed modified three-dimensioned self-administered online questionnaire( )was used which was tested afterward for reliability and validity. For this study, the sample size is 384 while the response rate achieved is 60.4% where the data was collected within a timeframe of two weeks. Results The respondents had a high level of knowledge regarding the risk factors, diet modifications, and lifestyle modifications. Both groups have the same knowledge level that does not differ significantly. Gender is not a factor of significance for hypertension, but a family history of hypertension shows a significant relationship among the two groups. Age, education, and occupation do not relate significantly among both groups. Conclusion The results might be contributed to the participants' high educational level as well as the fact that a lot of them have a family history of hypertension.