Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Hypertension Among Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Students at Khyber Medical University

Abstract

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is frequently described as a ‘silent killer’ due to its largely asymptomatic course. Adequate knowledge of its risk factors, complications, and management is essential for healthcare students who will later be responsible for patient screening, counselling, and care. This study aimed to assess the baseline knowledge of hypertension among undergraduate nursing and allied health sciences students at Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Nursing Sciences and the Institute of Allied Health Sciences, KMU, over a period of three months. A sample of 306 students was calculated using the WHO sample size formula and selected through proportional stratified random sampling across the two departments. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, a 12-item hypertension knowledge scale, and sources of health information, and were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Of 306 students approached, 305 completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 99.7%. Nursing students comprised 24.9% and Allied Health Sciences students 75.1% of the sample; 67.2% of participants were male and 32.8% were female. The mean knowledge score was 8.44 ± 1.65 out of 12. Good knowledge was observed in 56.7% of participants, moderate knowledge in 38.7%, and poor knowledge in 4.6%. University teachers and faculty (51.1%) were the leading source of hypertension-related information, followed by doctors and senior nurses (23.9%). Undergraduate nursing and allied health sciences students at KMU demonstrated an overall satisfactory level of hypertension knowledge; however, a considerable proportion showed only moderate understanding, indicating a need for curriculum reinforcement and structured clinical training to prepare them for effective patient counselling.

Keywords: Hypertension; Knowledge; Nursing Students; Allied Health Sciences; Cross-Sectional Study; Pakistan.