Evaluation of the knowledge of primary healthcare patients in Poland on the prevention of hypertension: a community study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the knowledge of Poles on the prevention of arterial hypertension (HT) and identify the main souces of knowledge in order to make health promotion activities more effective, and thus increase the efficiency and efficacy of the Polish healthcare system.

Study design: Community study.

Methods: This questionnaire study included 180 subjects (120 primary healthcare patients without a history of diagnosed HT and 60 primary care physicians).

Results: The knowledge of most surveyed patients was insufficient (43%, n = 52) or sufficient (40%, n = 48) for the effective prevention of HT; 17% (n = 20) of the respondents had knowledge that was definitely sufficient, and none of the respondents had knowledge that was definitely insufficient. The patients reported that primary care physicians were the most common source of health information (67%, n = 80). Primary care physicians were also the most trusted source of information.

Conclusions: Patients' knowledge on smoking, diet and exercise is sufficient for the effective prevention of HT. The areas of insufficient knowledge for the development of HT and possible organ complications are drinking alcohol, stress, genetic factors and diabetes.