A Study was Conducted to Evaluate the Risk Factors Associated with Stroke among Hypertensive Patients Receiving Care at the Medical Outpatient Department (OPD) of HSK Hospital & Research Centre in Navanagar, Bagalkot

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:* Hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure, is a major public health concern globally. It is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Stroke, a neurological condition, is a significant cause of mortality and disability, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Hypertension is a predominant risk factor for stroke both globally and in our country. Hence, there is a critical need to enhance stroke education, particularly targeting low-income individuals at high risk, through public health campaigns and targeted health education efforts. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: 1. To assess the knowledge of hypertensive patients regarding stroke risk factors and prevention. 2. To determine the association between knowledge scores and selected socio-demographic variables. HYPOTHESIS: H1: There will be a significant association between the knowledge level of hypertensive patients and their socio-demographic variables. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: This study adopts the health belief model proposed by Becker as its conceptual framework. METHODOLOGY: The research employed a descriptive survey design to assess stroke risk factors among hypertensive patients attending the medical OPD of HSK Hospital & Research Centre in Bagalkot. Non-probability convenient sampling was used to select 100 hypertensive patients for the study. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire consisting of two sections: Section I focused on socio-demographic variables, while Section II assessed stroke risk factors. RESULTS: The study revealed that hypertensive patients exhibited varying levels of knowledge regarding stroke risk factors. On average, the overall knowledge score was 55.3%. The percentage distribution of hypertensive patients based on their knowledge level showed that 24% had poor knowledge, 50% had average knowledge, and 26% had good knowledge. CONCLUSION: The study identified a significant association between the knowledge level of hypertensive patients and certain socio-demographic characteristics, particularly the source of information. However, no significant associations were found with other variables such as age, gender, education, occupation, and health history. This underscores the importance of targeted health education interventions aimed at improving awareness of stroke risk factors among hypertensive patients.