Comparison in the Knowledge and Awareness of Hypertension Among Hospital and Factory Workers in Sagamu, Nigeria

Abstract

Fifty nine non-clinical hospital workers of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching hospital, Sagamu were compared with 52 factory workers in the same locality in order to determine their knowledge and awareness of the subject of Hypertension. In general the level of knowledge and awareness was poor in both study cohorts but marginally better in the factory workers. The knowledge of the respondents was particularly poor in the area of the commonest symptom of hypertension. Less than one third of the factory workers and only 1 in 10 of the hospital workers knew that hypertension is basically a symptom less disease. Many gave answers such as headache, insomnia and palpitation which are either symptoms of late presentation or those of end organ damage. Only about half of the respondents in each case knew that hypertension is a disease whose treatment is essentially for life. Many said that it should be treated only when symptoms appear. The marginally better knowledge of the factory workers is attributed to occasional health educational talks in that factory. Similar talks are recommended for hospital workers in non-clinical areas since these people are often asked for opinions on such chronic conditions in the larger community.

Key words: Hypertension, knowledge, awareness, workers.

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol.47(3) 2005: 43-45