دانش مبتلایان به پرفشاری خون از علایم و عوارض بیماری و میزان فشار خون خود

Background and Aim: Management and control of Hypertension (HTN) is one of the main problems of hypertensive patients, which is caused by poor compliance of treatment in some patients. Since the knowledge level of patients may play an important role in management and compliance, this study was performed in Birjand Valiyy-e-Asr hospital to assess the knowledge of hypertensive patients about their disease. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive analytic study, 385 patients were selected from emergency, heart, CCU wards, and specialized clinics of Valie-Asr hospital in Birjand. Demographic data and knowledge of patients about the level of their BP (systolic and diastolic), signs and complications of hypertension were obtained through questionnaires. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were approved by four cardiologists. The results were analysed by descriptive tables and Chi-Square test at the significant level P≤0.05 Results: The findings showed that 28.4% of patients aged between 51-60 years (58±13.14). 77.1% and 44.9% of patients gave correct answers to questions regarding the level of systolic and diastolic pressure, respectively. 73% were aware of the range of their blood pressure; 79.9% and 59% were not aware that HTN is commonly an asymptomatic condition and it can cause renal failure respectively. Level of knowledge of 32.5% and 23.4% patients were low and moderate, respectively. There was a significant statistical relationship between the level of knowledge and gender, source of information (P<0.05) and also education, habitation, and occupation (P<0.001). Conclusion: Regarding the findings of this study, it is suggested that for the prevention of mortality increase and irremediable complications due to underestimating HTN, necessary training is required for susceptibles hypertensive patients.