Hypertension: Investigating the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia

Background: Hypertension is a common health issue that affects over one billion adults around the world. In Saudi Arabia, its rise is linked to lifestyle changes, such as unhealthy eating and reduced physical activity. Although many people are affected, knowledge about hypertension and how to manage...

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Main Authors: Salahuddin Khan, Meshal Alzakari, Faisal Alzkari, Renad Alsuhaibani, Amjad Alghanmi, Alanoud Alabdulkarim, Abdulrahman Alkanhal, Khalid Alnemer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1851_24
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author Salahuddin Khan
Meshal Alzakari
Faisal Alzkari
Renad Alsuhaibani
Amjad Alghanmi
Alanoud Alabdulkarim
Abdulrahman Alkanhal
Khalid Alnemer
author_facet Salahuddin Khan
Meshal Alzakari
Faisal Alzkari
Renad Alsuhaibani
Amjad Alghanmi
Alanoud Alabdulkarim
Abdulrahman Alkanhal
Khalid Alnemer
author_sort Salahuddin Khan
collection DOAJ
description Background: Hypertension is a common health issue that affects over one billion adults around the world. In Saudi Arabia, its rise is linked to lifestyle changes, such as unhealthy eating and reduced physical activity. Although many people are affected, knowledge about hypertension and how to manage it remains limited. The aim of this study was to assess the public’s understanding and attitudes toward hypertension in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study was done using an online survey from May to August 2024, which was distributed through social media. Participants answered questions about their demographics, knowledge of hypertension, attitudes toward the condition, and awareness of prevention. A total of 2,113 people aged 18 years and older took part. The data were analyzed to find links between demographic factors and levels of knowledge using a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: Nearly all respondents (98.2%) had heard of hypertension, and 78.4% thought it was a common condition. In addition, most participants (64.1%) had a good level of knowledge about hypertension, while 35.9% had a poor level. The most recognized causes were high salt intake (80.5%) and cholesterol (67.0%), while headaches (80.7%) and dizziness (59.7%) were the most commonly known symptoms. Higher education and knowing someone with hypertension were linked to having better knowledge. More than half of respondents (54.2%) were willing to participate in campaigns to raise awareness. Conclusion: Although most people are aware of hypertension, there are still gaps in understanding about its risk factors and prevention methods. Educational programs focusing on these areas are needed.
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spelling doaj-art-6827099f1d5b49aaaf5d47a1b39d3ed12025-08-20T02:57:26ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Family Medicine and Primary Care2249-48632278-71352025-04-011441521152810.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1851_24Hypertension: Investigating the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the general population in Saudi ArabiaSalahuddin KhanMeshal AlzakariFaisal AlzkariRenad AlsuhaibaniAmjad AlghanmiAlanoud AlabdulkarimAbdulrahman AlkanhalKhalid AlnemerBackground: Hypertension is a common health issue that affects over one billion adults around the world. In Saudi Arabia, its rise is linked to lifestyle changes, such as unhealthy eating and reduced physical activity. Although many people are affected, knowledge about hypertension and how to manage it remains limited. The aim of this study was to assess the public’s understanding and attitudes toward hypertension in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study was done using an online survey from May to August 2024, which was distributed through social media. Participants answered questions about their demographics, knowledge of hypertension, attitudes toward the condition, and awareness of prevention. A total of 2,113 people aged 18 years and older took part. The data were analyzed to find links between demographic factors and levels of knowledge using a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: Nearly all respondents (98.2%) had heard of hypertension, and 78.4% thought it was a common condition. In addition, most participants (64.1%) had a good level of knowledge about hypertension, while 35.9% had a poor level. The most recognized causes were high salt intake (80.5%) and cholesterol (67.0%), while headaches (80.7%) and dizziness (59.7%) were the most commonly known symptoms. Higher education and knowing someone with hypertension were linked to having better knowledge. More than half of respondents (54.2%) were willing to participate in campaigns to raise awareness. Conclusion: Although most people are aware of hypertension, there are still gaps in understanding about its risk factors and prevention methods. Educational programs focusing on these areas are needed.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1851_24 attitudehypertensionknowledge
spellingShingle Salahuddin Khan
Meshal Alzakari
Faisal Alzkari
Renad Alsuhaibani
Amjad Alghanmi
Alanoud Alabdulkarim
Abdulrahman Alkanhal
Khalid Alnemer
Hypertension: Investigating the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
attitude
hypertension
knowledge
title Hypertension: Investigating the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia
title_full Hypertension: Investigating the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia
title_fullStr Hypertension: Investigating the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia
title_full_unstemmed Hypertension: Investigating the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia
title_short Hypertension: Investigating the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia
title_sort hypertension investigating the level of knowledge awareness and attitude of the general population in saudi arabia
topic attitude
hypertension
knowledge
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1851_24
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