Social knowledge of symptom risk factors, causes and complications of hypertension among Al-Ahsa population, Saudi Arabia

Backgound: Hypertension is a major global health concern. Despite it is a leading risk of morbidity and mortality, most people with hypertension are unaware of their problem. The main aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, causes and complications of hypertension among AL-Ahsa population, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional study of Saudi adults was conducted in the assigned primary health care centres in Al-Ahsa area of Saudi Arabia. A suitably designed questionnaire (standard self-reported questionnaire) was used for data collection. Results: Out of total of 660 participants, (553%) of the subjects were females and (44.7%) were males. Among those, most of the participants were at the age of 55 or below (86.4%). Level of knowledge about hypertension was low score in (28.3%), while (44.4%) are moderate and (27.6%) considered having a high level of knowledge. Conclusion: Although more than two third of the study subjects were having average to good awareness level about hypertension and its risk factors, patients do not have a comprehensive understanding of this global and preventable condition.