Knowledge Regarding Early Identification and Prevention of Hypertension Among Adults in Rural Puducherry: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major non-communicable disease and an important preventable cause of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal complications. Early identification and prevention require adequate public knowledge and regular blood-pressure monitoring.
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge regarding early identification and prevention of hypertension among adults in rural Puducherry and to determine its association with selected demographic variables.
Methods: A quantitative descriptive research design was used among 500 adults residing in Nallavadu rural area, Puducherry. Participants were selected by non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic proforma and a 25-item structured knowledge questionnaire. Content validity was established by three nursing experts and test-retest reliability was r=0.81. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 500 participants, 54 (10.8%) had inadequate knowledge, 198 (39.6%) had moderately adequate knowledge and 248 (49.6%) had adequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 16.66±5.687 out of 25. Knowledge level was significantly associated with age, gender, marital status, educational level, occupation, monthly family income, type of family and smartphone ownership (all p<0.001).
Conclusion: Although nearly half of the participants demonstrated adequate knowledge, 50.4% had inadequate or moderately adequate knowledge. Community-based education, screening and accessible digital health support may be useful areas for further intervention research in rural populations.