Perception of Arterial Hypertension in Hypertensive Patients Undergoing Routine Consultation and Hospitalisation in Bangui

High blood pressure (HTA) has long been considered the preserve of wealthy countries. However, it also affects low-income countries such as the Central African Republic. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of patients suffering from hypertension and their perception of prevention and management of the disease. It was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out in the three university hospitals and urban health centers of Bangui from April 15 to May 31, 2022. All consenting hypertensive patients were included. A total of 201 outpatients and inpatients with hypertension. Age ranged from 30 to 88 years, with an average of 43 years (±6.8 years), and 60.2% of the population was under 60. Of the 201 people surveyed, 78% were unfamiliar with the risk factors for the disease, 75% were unaware of the complications of hypertension, and 87% did not know how to prevent the disease or its complications. As for the perception of treatment, 23.8% thought that medication (oral antihypertensives) was ineffective and 51.3% thought it was restrictive. Diet was considered effective by 91.3%, but restrictive by 89% (high cost and complexity). The use of pharmacopoeias in addition to prescribed oral antihypertensives was reported by 36.3%. This study highlighted patients' low level of knowledge about the disease and the high cost of treatment and diet. Hence the importance of information, education and communication about this disease.