Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Tek Nath Mishra Tsirang Hospital Damphu Tek Nath Mishra 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Tek Nath Mishra Tsirang Hospital Damphu Tek Nath Mishra
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tenzin Yoezer Tsirang Hospital Tenzin Yoezer
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Jigme Sherab Tsirang Hospital Jigme Sherab
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hypertension Among Hypertensive Patients Visiting Tsirang Hospital |
| Public title | Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hypertension Among Hypertensive Patients Visiting Tsirang Hospital |
| Background | Hypertension stands as the foremost contributor to cardiovascular disease mortality on a global scale, with a particular impact observed in the WHO South-East Asia Region (WHO, 2023). This condition represents a significant public health challenge and ranks among the primary culprits for premature fatalities worldwide. The prevalence of hypertension is staggering, affecting approximately 1.13 billion individuals globally. A survey conducted in 2015 revealed that 25% of women and 20% of men grapple with hypertension. Alarmingly, fewer than 20% of individuals successfully manage their hypertension, and the repercussions are dire, with over 9 million deaths attributed to this condition (Nawi, A.M. et al., 2021). Despite the alarming prevalence, the management of blood pressure among hypertensive patients remains disconcertingly low. Kilic et al. report that control rates hover at a mere 30%-34% in developing countries and 33%-38% in developed nations. A glaring issue lies in the lack of awareness or health literacy among hypertensive individuals, as highlighted by Rashidi Y. (2018). The literature review underscores inadequate knowledge about health issues among hypertensive patients in various countries, including the United States, Pakistan, Turkey, and Namibia. In sub-Saharan Africa, Hendriks et al. shed light on the stark reality, revealing that a mere 3% of hypertensive individuals in Namibia were aware of their condition, while this awareness figure stood at 6% for patients in Kenya. This emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced awareness, education, and proactive management strategies to address the global challenge posed by hypertension. In Bhutan as per the Annual Health bulletin (2023), hypertension cases have also increased by 12% compared to 2021. Numerous lite |
| Objectives | 5. Research Objectives (general and specific) 5.1 Objective Purpose of the study is aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude and behaviour among hypertensive patient who are visiting Tsirang Hospital for treatment and follow-up. 5.2 Specific objectives 5.2.1 Assess the level of comprehension among hypertensive patients at Tsirang Cluster Hospital concerning medical treatments, adherence to prescribed medications, lifestyle preferences, dietary habits, and the associated complications of hypertension. 5.2.2 Investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors including age, gender, and educational attainment on the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior exhibited by hypertensive patients receiving care at Tsirang Cluster Hospital. 6. Use of the Results (objectives, applicability) 6.1 Improved Patient Education: By assessing knowledge levels regarding medical treatments, adherence to medications, and dietary habits, the study can identify areas where patient education may be enhanced. This can lead to better-informed patients who are more likely to actively participate in managing their condition. 6.2 Enhanced Treatment Adherence: Understanding factors influencing adherence to prescribe |
| Study Methods | Type of study and study design This research is a cross-sectional study aimed at outlining the demographic characteristics, comprehension of medical treatments, adherence to prescribed medications, lifestyle preferences, dietary habits, and associated complications related to hypertension at Tsirang Hospital. The design chosen is cross-sectional in nature as it aims to uncover and elucidate the current status of hypertensive patients, given the absence of previous research on this specific topic. This design is suitable for providing insights into the actual conditions of the hypertensive patient population and can also be used to depict the characteristics or essence of the phenomenon under study (Polite, Beck & Hungler, 2001). 7.3 Settings Tsirang Hospital which serves as a cluster hospital providing healthcare services to the Tsirang District, as well as to the communities in Dagana and the upper region of Sarphang Methods Data Collection Instrument is divided into two parts, the first part is to assess the patient's personal and demographic characteristics. The second part is the Hypertension Knowledge Test (HKT), a 21-item questionnaire designed to assess a patient's knowledge about hypertension. The HKT comprises 12 true-or-false questions and 9 multiple-choice questions. This widely used instrument has demonstrated reliability, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.82 for the entire scale. The HKT evaluates individuals' understanding of hypertension, including medical interventions, adherence to prescribed medications, lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and the complications associated with hypertension. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards hypertension among hypertensive patients. The research will evaluate patients' understanding of hypertension, their attitudes towards its management, and their adherence to treatment and lifestyle modifications. By identifying gaps in knowledge and practice, the study seeks to inform targeted interventions to improve patient education and support. The findings will provide insights into how patients' perceptions and behaviours affect hypertension control, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and reduced complications associated with the condition. |
| Keywords | Hypertension, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Jan-2025 |
| End Date | 31-Jul-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Self |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Non-communicable Disease |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Population-Based Survey | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |