Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitude, and Factors Associated With Practices of High Blood Pressure Prevention among Employees of an Authority in Kigali City

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is becoming a burden globally with a significant shift in developing countries resulting from rapid urbanization with associated changes in lifestyles. In Rwanda, there is limited knowledge about high blood pressure and its prevention measures practices among office workers.
Objective
This study assessed the prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and factors associated with practices to prevent high blood pressure among employees of an authority in Kigali City.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 166 employees of Rwanda FDA to collect data on blood pressure levels, knowledge, attitude and practice toward prevention of High Blood Pressure. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were carried out using SPSS version 21.
Results
The study surveyed 166 participants, mostly male (61.4%). High blood pressure prevalence was 4.8%, 81.3% had good knowledge, 69.3% had positive attitude, and 7.2% had good practice. This study discovered that the respondents with poor knowledge were less likely to have good practice.
Conclusion
The study revealed lower blood pressure prevalence and high knowledge among participants, however, some knowledge questions on hypertension symptoms and complications were not answered correctly. Moreover, a quarter of participants with High blood pressure were unaware of their condition. These findings highlighted the need for public health education and awareness programs.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2024;7(2):204-216