Awareness of Hypertension, Risk Factors and Complications among Attendants of a Primary Health Care Center In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background:Hypertension is one of the most common communicable chronic diseases affecting people worldwide. Hypertension is also a major risk factor for cardiac diseases specially coronary and ischemic heart diseases as well as hemorrhagic stroke. the prevalence of hypertension in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is about 26.1 %. Aim and objectives: Estimate the prevalence of hypertension and to determine the level of awareness with regards to risk factors, presenting features and complications of hypertension among a sample from Jeddah population, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An observationaldescriptive cross sectional study conducted in a Primary Health Care Center located in Jeddah city using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among the 200 participants prevalence of 26% and 12 % were recorded for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, respectively %. Seventy percent of our study participants are having family members complaining from diabetes and hypertension. Although self evaluation regarding knowledge of hypertension was low, it was found that the percent of correct answers received was satisfactory. Conclusion: we can conclude that diabetes and hypertension are considered a burden among the Saudi Community. Health education program are satisfactory, recommendation for more in-depth studies for assessing the strategies and was of delivery may be recommended.