Knowledge and self-care practice among patients with hypertension in tertiary public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Introduction

Globally, hypertension is the leading cause of death due to its related complications. Patients’ knowledge and self-care practice in hypertension is crucial for achieving optimal blood pressure control and prevention of related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and self-care practice among hypertensive patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 hypertensive patients using simple random sampling methods. A face-to-face interview was administered using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Frequency percentage, and mean were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between predictors and outcome variables.

Results

Out of 413 respondents, 46.0 % (95 % CI: 40–50 %) and 40.9 % (95 % CI: 36–46 %) had poor knowledge and self-care practice respectively. Being married (AOR = 1.92, 95 % CI:1.19–3.06, P = 0.007), higher education [AOR = 7.38 (95 % CI: 2.29–23.78), P < 0.001); family history (AOR = 3.68, 95 % CI: 2.28–5.94, P < 0.001); getting information from healthcare providers (AOR = 3.17, 95 % CI: 1.46–6.87, P = 0.003) were significantly associated with knowledge of hypertension. Being female (AOR: 0.62,95 % CI: 0.39–0.97, P = 0.033), owing sphygmomanometer (AOR: 4.41,95 % CI: 2.40–8.13, P < 0.001) were associated with self-care practice towards hypertension.

Conclusion

The overall knowledge and self-care practice of respondents was low. Gender, marital status, educational level, family history, source of information, and owing sphygmomanometer were determinant factors. Improving patients’ awareness and self-care practice is essential for prevention and control of hypertension.