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KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS, AND LIFESTYLE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES RELATED TO HYPERTENSION IN TAIF CITY, SAUDI ARABIA

Abdulaziz Husain Alfaifi , Danah Awwadh Al-Harthi , Ghaida Hesham Al-Omran , Raghad Awad Algorashi , Sara Ahmed Ali Assiri , Atheer Abdulraheem Alsufyani , Mona Mohamed Ali , Hussain Saleh Baabbad

Hypertension is a serious chronic medical disorder associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Because, to date, there is no potential cure for the disease, prevention remains the mainstay for reduction of the disease burden. Identification and control of the risk factors for hypertension are the key for disease prevention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the awareness, practices, and attitudes of Saudi population towards hypertension. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted via distributing a written questionnaire to inhabitants of Taif city in Saudi Arabia. Data from the gathered questionnaires were analyzed using IBM SPSS software. Results: Of 322 participants, 71.4% were males, and 96.6% were educated. Salt overdose, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and physical inactivity were the most common identified risk factors; they were appropriately identified by 92%, 90%, 83%, and 79% of the participants, respectively. Alcohol consumption (60%) and family history (59%) were the least identified factors. About 40% of the participants reported that they sometimes follow healthy diet. Replacing ordinary fat with low fat in diet was the most common healthy dietary practice reported to be always adopted (in 30% of participants). Elderly participants were less likely to reduce caffeine intake (42.9%), to replace ordinary fat with low fat (43%), and to adopt a no salt diet (35.7%). About 46% stated they sometimes increase they daily activity, and about 21% reported they always did not have time to exercise. Only 30% were keen on regular check-up of their weights. About 74% stated that they were trying to minimize work stress. Overthinking was more prevalent among 84% of the participants. About 56% of participants reported that they were avoiding cigarette smoking. Though 76.7% of participants knew that the medications were beneficial, 58.7% stated that they do not like taking a medicine. Conclusion: The Saudi population in Taif city have a fair knowledge and awareness about the risk factors for hypertension. However, their attitudes and practices towards reducing many risk factors are negative, particularly weight reduction, physical activity, and dietary habits. Keywords: Attitude, awareness, hypertension, knowledge, practices, Saudi Arabia.

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