Key result
Male youth show ~19-point higher hypertension awareness than females, though risk-factor knowledge remains poor overall.
Why the study?
Hypertension is a leading global health risk with rising incidence among youths in West Kabul due to lifestyle and urbanization, but awareness of its risk factors and complications is unclear.
Cross-Sectional (n=400)
No
Absolute Event Rate: 82.5% vs 64%
A cross-sectional survey reveals that while a majority of youths in West Kabul are aware of hypertension, understanding of its key risk factors and consequences remains poor, highlighting the need for targeted health education.
Gaps in accurate hypertension knowledge among West Kabul youths may support targeted education; leaves open whether interventions improve prevention behaviors.
Background: Hypertension is a leading global health risk, often silent yet significantly contributing to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Its prevention relies heavily on public awareness, particularly among youths. This study examines youth awareness of hypertension, its risk factors, and complications in West Kabul, amid rising incidence due to lifestyle and urbanization. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 youths (aged 17–21) in West Kabul using convenience sampling. Participants were recruited from schools, community centers, and public spaces. Data were gathered through a pretested, structured questionnaire assessing demographics, hypertension knowledge, and awareness of risk factors. The questionnaire was validated by public health experts, and responses were analyzed using SPSS with results presented descriptively. Results: Among male respondents (n=200), 82.5% knew about hypertension, but just 32% knew of its important risk factors. Similarly, among female respondents (n=200), 64% knew about hypertension, but just 38.5% knew of its causes accurately. A majority of respondents (male and female) held mistaken perceptions about the dietary and lifestyle risk determinants for hypertension. Moreover, only 26% of men and 31% of women indicated a good understanding of the hypertension consequences. Conclusion: While most youths in West Kabul know about hypertension, its risk factors and causes are understood by few. Less than 32% of men and 38.5% of women know the major risk factors for hypertension and therefore we require targeted health education. Our recommendation is to include awareness about hypertension in school curricula and start culturally sensitive outreach so that preventive lifestyle changes can be promoted among youths.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Iqbal et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=400). Male sex vs. Female sex was evaluated on General awareness of hypertension. Male youths in West Kabul had higher general awareness of hypertension compared to females (82.5% vs 64%), but accurate knowledge of its risk factors was poor in both sexes (32% vs 38.5%).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: