Limited public understanding of the risk factors and complications of hypertension

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated Australian adults' knowledge on the risk factors and complications of hypertension to identify areas of poor understanding.

Methods: In 2024, an adapted validated hypertension-knowledge survey was distributed to participants who had used kiosk BP stations in retail stores across metropolitan and remote Australia. Kiosk stations collected measured and self-reported data.

Results: A total of 826 participants (51% male; mean age 52 ± 16 years; 36% with a history of hypertension) completed the survey. Participants generally demonstrated a good understanding of hypertension risk factors, with 90% recognizing that being overweight increases risk, and that exercise helps lower BP. Twenty-seven percent were unaware that hypertension is usually asymptomatic; 41% did not know that stress is not its main cause; and 42% were unaware of the importance of medication adherence. Seventy-three percent and 77% were unaware of the increased risk of dementia and kidney disease, respectively.People with a history of hypertension (vs. no hypertension; P = 0.01) and those in outer regional areas (vs. major cities, inner regional, or remote; P = 0.011) had better knowledge. Individuals who were unemployed or had lower educational backgrounds (both P < 0.001) had poorer knowledge. Kiosk BP readings and the use of antihypertensive medications were not associated with knowledge scores.

Conclusions: Public misconceptions regarding hypertension persist. With three in four participants unaware that hypertension increases the risk of dementia and kidney disease, and with limited understanding of the importance of medication adherence, educational efforts are essential, particularly among people who are unemployed or have lower educational backgrounds.

Keywords: Australia; blood pressure; cardiovascular complications; education; hypertension; knowledge; risk factors.