KNOWLEDGE OF HYPERTENSION AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING MEDICAL CLINIC IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Hypertension has been acknowledged as a world health challenge, a leading cause of death in adults and a risk factor for other diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, strokes. Hypertension is related to some risky health
behaviours such as smoking, overweight, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity. It is labelled a
‘silent killer’ because it progressively and permanently damages organs before occurrence of any diagnosable external
presentation, hence, this study investigates the level of knowledge of hypertension and its management strategies among
hypertensive patients and compliance to their medication and treatment regimen. A cross sectional descriptive survey
design was used. A sample size of 148 was determined from a total population of 225 attending medical clinic in the
outpatient department in University of Benin Teaching Hospital. A convenient sampling technique was used to select
148 respondents. A self-structured questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.89 was the instrument used for data
collection. The result of the socio-demographic characteristic of the respondents shows that majority of the respondents
are females within the age group of 51 to 70yeasrs, have diploma/degree and they are married. Lastly, majority are
civil servants. Findings reveal that the respondents are highly knowledgeable about hypertension but the knowledge
about management strategy of hypertension is average. Finally, the level of compliance with management strategies is
low. The result of the hypothesis tested shows that age and educational level of respondents are significant factor
associated with level of knowledge of hypertension among respondents. Therefore, it is important for patients to be
thoroughly educated on the importance and benefits of proper management of hypertension.

• Author details: OKO-OSE | JOSEPHINE | NGOZI | joechiazor@yahoo.com | 08034078785, OSUNDE | ROSEMARY | NGOZI | ngosunde23@gmail.com | +2348035788478
• Keywords: Knowledge: Hypertension: Management strategies
• Manuscript: OKO-OSE, JOSEPHINE Vol 8(1)