Awareness, knowledge of healthy lifestyle behaviours related to hypertension among secondary schools teachers in KSA

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a chronic disease attributed to underlying multifactorial causes. Awareness and management of modifiable risk factors of hypertension can increase the quality of life and health outcomes. Aim:Assessment of knowledge of secondary school teachers in KSA regarding the association between hypertension and lifestyle habits and daily behaviours. Methodology: A Cross-Sectional research targeting secondary school teachers in Saudi Arabia. The study period was from March 2022 to May 2022. An online questionnaire was distributed; data was gathered with a pre-structured data collection tool. The survey tool was used after an intensive literature review and expert's consultation. A pilot study on 25 teachers evaluated tool applicability, clarity and reliability with α-Cronbach of 0.71. Results: The study was conducted on 400 Saudi teachers, averaging 41.1 ± 7.9 years old. The study showed that 243 (60.8%) were interested in raising awareness regarding high blood pressure, and 39.3% participated in hypertension educational activities. A percentage of 79.5% of teachers were well educated in regards to high blood pressure, and 62.3% had given a precise definition of it. A total of 73.8% have stated the correlation between hypertension and diet. Moreover, 76.8% understand the importance of treatment compliance. Conclusions: In conclusion, secondary school teachers in Saudi Arabia were found to be well educated about hypertension, its risk factors, symptoms, outcomes, and complications. Teachers with a family history of hypertension were found to have more knowledge regarding hypertension.