Knowledge about Hypertension and its Associated Risk Factors among Saudi University Students in Riyadh City

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge of hypertension and its associated risk factors among Saudi undergraduate students in the universities of Riyadh City. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students from 11 universities in Riyadh City. Convenience sampling was used, and the survey was not validated. The survey was distributed manually but collected electronically. It consisted of four sections: socio-demographics, risk factors, complications, and general statements. Results: We analyzed 605 participants’ data; the highest participation percentage was from King Saud University (14.1% of the total); 42.1% of the participants were from the health track, and 69.8% of the participants who had heard about hypertension described the source as their families. The highest level of knowledge was on the general statement section where 45% had good knowledge, and the lowest was on the complications section where 30% had good knowledge. The total level of good knowledge was 31.1%. Conclusion: This study identifies some gaps in the knowledge of hypertension among undergraduate university students. Further research is advised to reach conclusive and more accurate data. Key words: knowledge hypertension, risk factors, undergraduate students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia