KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS PREVENTION OF HYPERTENSION AMONG STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION
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Abstract
Hypertension, a major global health issue, affects a large portion of the adult population and is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Although commonly associated with older adults, its prevalence is increasing among younger people, including university students. Modifiable risk factors like poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and stress significantly contribute to hypertension development. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of University of Benin students regarding hypertension prevention.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted at the University of Benin, Nigeria, using a descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample of 424 undergraduate students. The study was conducted from July 2023 to September 2024. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling from various faculties. Data were collected via a pre-tested, adapted questionnaire distributed through Google
Forms. The analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at p = < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and confidentiality was ensured by omitting personal identifiers. RESULTS
The study found that nearly half of the participants (49.3%) were between 16 and 20 years old, with an average age of 21.42 years. Most participants (86.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its preventive strategies, with a significant correlation between knowledge and both their academic faculty and year of study. A strong positive attitude towards hypertension prevention was observed in 421 (99.3%) of respondents, and a significant link was found xiii between attitude and marital status (p = 0.029). Additionally, 409 (95.5%) of respondents practiced effective hypertension prevention, and all those with poor practices expressed willingness to change their behavior.
CONCLUSION
Most University of Benin students demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its prevention, correlated with their year of study and faculty. The majority had a positive attitude towards prevention, linked to marital status. Most practiced effective prevention strategies, and those with poor practices were eager to improve.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted at the University of Benin, Nigeria, using a descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample of 424 undergraduate students. The study was conducted from July 2023 to September 2024. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling from various faculties. Data were collected via a pre-tested, adapted questionnaire distributed through Google
Forms. The analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at p = < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and confidentiality was ensured by omitting personal identifiers. RESULTS
The study found that nearly half of the participants (49.3%) were between 16 and 20 years old, with an average age of 21.42 years. Most participants (86.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its preventive strategies, with a significant correlation between knowledge and both their academic faculty and year of study. A strong positive attitude towards hypertension prevention was observed in 421 (99.3%) of respondents, and a significant link was found xiii between attitude and marital status (p = 0.029). Additionally, 409 (95.5%) of respondents practiced effective hypertension prevention, and all those with poor practices expressed willingness to change their behavior.
CONCLUSION
Most University of Benin students demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its prevention, correlated with their year of study and faculty. The majority had a positive attitude towards prevention, linked to marital status. Most practiced effective prevention strategies, and those with poor practices were eager to improve.
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