Evaluation of Attitudes Regarding the Prevention of Hypertension Development in People with and without a Family History of Hypertension
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study examined the determinants affecting knowledge and attitudes regarding hypertension prevention and assessed the influence of family history on awareness.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the validated Turkish Attitudes Scale Towards Prevention of Hypertension (ASPH). Ethical approval was obtained (No: 2025/7447). Data were analysed using SPSS (version 27.0). The normality of distribution was assessed, and non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s correlation analysis) were applied as appropriate. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Post hoc power analysis indicated a statistical power of 88.8% for group comparisons.
Results: A total of 117 adults participated in the “Counsel Your Pharmacist” event on Turkish Pharmacists’ Day. The median [IQR] ASPH score was 103.0 [101.0–115.0]. Among participants with a family history of hypertension, 35 individuals regularly monitored their blood pressure, whereas 43 did not. Mean scores were higher among those who monitored regularly (109.9 ± 9.5) compared to non-monitors (103.6 ± 7.6). A statistically significant association was identified between ASPH scores and physical activity (p < 0.001), smoking (p = 0.015), regular blood pressure monitoring among participants with at least one family member affected by hypertension (p = 0.004), and obesity (p = 0.011). Correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between ASPH scores and weight (p = 0.003), BMI (p = 0.009), and blood pressure, whereas a positive correlation was observed between age and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.022).
Conclusion: The findings reveal a limited public understanding of hypertension prevention, underscoring the importance of educational initiatives. Pharmacists serve a vital function in enhancing awareness and encouraging preventive measures against hypertension.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ahmet Çakır
*
0000-0002-9843-1604
Türkiye
Hasan Memiş
0000-0001-7158-1795
Türkiye
Ayşe Yücekaya
0009-0000-6147-4099
Türkiye
Publication Date
May 21, 2026
Submission Date
November 4, 2025
Acceptance Date
February 27, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 56 Number: 1