ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ON CHOLESTEROL MAINTENANCE FOR PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AT SELECTED JAIPUR HOSPITALS.

Abstract

Hypertension, a leading chronic disease, significantly impacts public health due to its asymptomatic nature and severe complications, including cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and kidney disorders. High cholesterol levels further exacerbate hypertension-related risks, increasing the need for effective management strategies. Despite medical advancements, awareness and adherence to hypertension management remain low in India, necessitating structured educational programs and intervention strategies. Objectives: a) To assess the level of knowledge regarding importance of maintaining cholesterol level among hypertension clients. b) To find out the association between knowledge scores with selected demographic variables of hypertension patients. Methods: A non-experimental research design was employed among 100 hypertensive patients attending the outpatient department of Global Heart Hospital, Jaipur. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge regarding cholesterol management, risk factors, and adherence to treatment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with chi-square tests applied to determine associations between knowledge levels and demographic variables Results: The study found that 49% of participants had excellent knowledge, 47% had good knowledge, 4% had average knowledge, and none had poor knowledge regarding cholesterol management in hypertension. No significant association was found between knowledge scores and demographic variables. However, lifestyle habits showed a significant correlation with knowledge levels. Conclusion: Hypertension remains a major public health issue, worsened by poor cholesterol management and low awareness. This study emphasizes the need for patient education and structured guidelines to improve adherence to treatment and lifestyle modifications. Community-based programs should focus on raising awareness and promoting healthy habits. Future research should explore targeted interventions, while government policies must support large-scale hypertension prevention efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease risks.