The knowledge, attitude, and prevalence of hypertension among automobile workers in Aba, Abia State

Abstract

Introduction:

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. It is one of the most common worldwide diseases affecting humans and is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular disease and chronic kidney disease.

Methods and materials:

This is analytical cross sectional study on the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of hypertension among automobile workers in Aba, Abia state. It was conducted using a self administered questionnaire; collated data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 and discussion subsequently done. Several studies and research have been done in relation to this topic and results compared and contrasted.

Results:

A sample size of 281 automobile workers was used for the study. Majority (25.6%) of the respondent were within 26-30 years. Most of them were married (54.8%), 44.8% were single and 0.4% widowed. Majority of the respondents (95.4%) were Ibos. Also, 96.1% were Christians and 80.1% attained secondary level of education. Majority (94.6%) of them are from monogamous family. Those that have heard of hypertension are 85.1%. Majority of them (66.5%) did not know the normal blood pressure, 33.5% know what it is while 89.3% know the complications of hypertension. Most of the respondents (76.5%) agreed that regular blood pressure check helps manage hypertension, 78.3% agreed that antihypertensive drugs help control hypertension, majority (71.5%) also agreed that stress significantly affects blood pressure level and 64.8% agreed that diet and regular exercise helps control hypertension.

Also, statistically significant association was found between Alcohol status and Ethnicity, Religion and Number of children.

Conclusion:

There is a high prevalence of diastolic hypertension among automobile workers, their attitude towards regular blood pressure checking in the management of hypertension is poor and they prefer to be ignorant of their blood pressure level.