Abstract Body: Background: Hypertension is a major global health issue causing cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, yet many patients lack knowledge about the condition, its management, and potential risks, despite its severe complications.
Objective: The study aims to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of hypertension among cardiology clinic patients, identifying knowledge gaps and misconceptions that could impact disease management and outcomes.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat University Hospital's cardiology clinic, Pakistan, involving 200 participants. Data was collected using the Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HKLS), covering six sub-dimensions: definition, medical treatment, medication compliance, lifestyle, nutrition, and complications. SPSS was used for analysis. Results: The study involved 200 participants with diverse sociodemographic characteristics, focusing on hypertension management knowledge. The middle-aged group had an average age of 41 years. The Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HKLS) revealed varied perceptions of hypertension. High accuracy was found in identifying indicators, but misconceptions persisted. Medical treatment awareness was strong, but misunderstandings persisted. Older adults had a significant misconception about medication necessity. Lifestyle choices were mixed, with 79% incorrectly viewing frying as healthy, 83% recognizing fruit and vegetable consumption, and 75.5% acknowledging smoking risks. Awareness of hypertension's severe consequences was variable.
Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for targeted educational interventions to address hypertension knowledge gaps, as it can improve treatment adherence and lifestyle modifications, and future healthcare policies should incorporate comprehensive educational strategies.