Abstract:

Hypertension in youth is increasing but there is a scarcity of data about the knowledge of risk factors and complications in this age group. Hypertension is among the most common non communicable disease that contribute to larger number of adult morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine knowledge on the risk factors and complications of hypertension among undergraduate at SAUT Mwanza. A cross sectional study was conducted in SAUT Mwanza a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire with both opened and closed ended was utilized. A total of 390 undergraduate students at SAUT participated in the study. The majority (54.9%, n=214) of participants were females, mean age of the participants was 23.55+-0. 168 Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS version 20, results are expressed as frequency and percentage.

Stress was correctly recognized by 68.2% of participants as the cause of hypertension, very few participants correctly identified non modifiable factors Age 1.3%, race 1.3%, and family history of hypertension 3.3% among the factors that increase risk getting hypertension. 98.2% among participants did not identify kidney failure 1.8%, eye problem 1.8% and peripheral vascular disease 1.5% complications of hypertension.

The findings show that a higher number of participants are not aware of risk factors and complications of hypertension. A large study on prevalence would enable health promotion activities to adjust to the needs of this age group.