Abstract
Background: Hypertension remains a leading global risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, yet its management is heavily influenced by regional health literacy and socio-cultural beliefs. In districts like Nawabshah, Pakistan, unique demographic challenges and traditional lifestyles play a significant role in how the general population perceives and manages high blood pressure.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge and awareness regarding hypertension and to identify the socio-cultural factors that influence its management among the general population of Nawabshah.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 264 respondents selected from various areas of Nawabshah. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic profiles, knowledge of hypertension causes, and socio-cultural practices. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the frequency and percentage of responses.
Results: The findings revealed a critical gap in health literacy; 47.35% of the respondents were illiterate and 85.6% resided in rural areas. While 64.4% of participants claimed to know the causes of hypertension, a detailed analysis showed a "stress-centric" misconception, with 69.7% attributing the condition solely to psychological stress while largely ignoring dietary and sedentary risk factors. Overall knowledge was categorized as "Poor" for 56.44% of the sample. Socio-culturally, 92% of respondents relied on religious practices (prayer/meditation) for management, and 53.8% continued the daily consumption of high-salt and fatty foods. Despite a high trust in medical professionals (82.6%), 46.2% admitted that cultural beliefs significantly dictate their treatment choices.
Conclusion: The study concludes that hypertension management in Nawabshah is hindered by low functional literacy and deep-rooted cultural myths. There is an urgent need for community-based health education programs that address the physiological causes of hypertension and encourage lifestyle modifications alongside medical treatment to reduce the disease burden in the region.