Factors associated with the level of knowledge about hypertension in Malaysia: A short communication

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify factors that have a correlation with hypertensive patients’ knowledge in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey and face-to-face interview methods were applied, and 1000 Malaysian adults were recruited to be involved in this study. The study was carried out in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and self-administered questionnaire was adopted from previous literature study. Key findings: Most respondents were female, and the mean age was 48 years old. Analytical test showed that there is an association between gender, age, race, location, education level, and source of information and their knowledge about hypertension. The odds of knowledge were higher among female, urban, higher level of education, young (≤50 years old), and Chinese and Malay respondents and those who got their information from health professionals. Conclusions: There are several factors have a great impact on hypertension knowledge in Malaysia; hence, understanding them makes it possible for the community to change public policies and educational programmes for the population that need it the most.