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Relationship between Knowledge of Hypertension and 10-Year Cardiovascular Risk among Patients with Hypertension at a Primary Care Clinic in Nigeria

Background:Good knowledge of the risk factors, course and consequences of high blood pressure by patients with hypertension can influence their lifestyle, drug adherence and the risk of subsequent development of cardiovascular disease. We aimed at determining the relationship between the knowledge of hypertension and 10-year cardiovascular risk among patients with hypertension. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey of 345 hypertensive patients attending the general outpatient clinic of the University College Hospital. Knowledge of hypertension and 10-year cardiovascular risk were estimated using hypertension fact questionnaire and Framingham General cardiovascular risk score respectively. Chi-square and t-test statistics were used for bivariate analysis with a p-value set at 0.05. Results: The age range of the respondents was 35-82 years. Coexistence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity, diabetes mellitus and obesity were found in 66.1%, 35.4 % and 71.3% participants respectively. Less than half (44.3%) of the participants had adequate knowledge about hypertension. There was a significant association between hypertension knowledge and 10-year cardiovascular risk (χ 2 = 14.70, p=.001). Also, a significant difference was found in the mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertension knowledge score, total cardiovascular risk and physical activity between respondents with adequate and inadequate hypertension knowledge. Conclusion: Given the high inadequate hypertension knowledge and its significant association with 10-year cardiovascular risk. Comprehensive health education on hypertension and its complications should be given to patients to promote their cardiovascular health.