Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hypertension Among Soldiers of the Parakou Garrison in Benin in 2019

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of military personnel regarding hypertension in Parakou in 2019. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. It included all the soldiers of the Parakou garrison, present at work during the investigation period, from October 24 to November 08, 2019, and having given their written consent. Members unavailable after two visits were excluded. An interview was held with each respondent using a questionnaire. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices were assessed by a series of items marked 1 or 0 (correct or incorrect answer) and classified into four categories according to the score. Results: A total of 266 soldiers were included. The mean age was 34.1 ± 5.5 years, and the male/female sex ratio was 7.1. Knowledge about hypertension was good among 33.5% of soldiers and attitudes were right among 82.0%. None of them had good practice and only 17.3% had a good level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The function was associated with the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p<0.001). Conclusion: The level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards hypertension of the targeted soldiers was low. The awareness of the Beninese soldiers on the prevention of hypertension should be reinforced.