An Online Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Survey in the Community about Adult Hypertension from Eastern India

Abstract

Background: To address the reasons for hypertension disease burden it is important to understand the knowledge,
attitude, and practices (KAP) of all pertinent stakeholders including the community. This study explored the
perception in the community regarding the burden of hypertension in India as this is lacking in Indian studies.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through online mode in India using a validated, field-tested
questionnaire incorporating KAP domain questions regarding hypertension. Scores to questions were appropriately
assigned.
Results: The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 28.49 (7.508) years (n=225). The median (IQR) KAP scores
were measured out of a maximum of 18, 5 and 4, respectively. Higher educational and socioeconomic levels were
associated with better attitude scores, but knowledge levels were comparable. Correlations between KAP scores
were poor.
Conclusions: This study reveals that laypersons in the community have appropriate knowledge and attitude
regarding hypertension to some extent but there are important lacunae and practices are often found wanting.
These issues need to be addressed through sustained public sensitization and motivational campaigns to improve
the future and treatment outcomes of hypertension in India.