Introduction: The increasing prevalence and severity of hypertension is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. Awareness, level of knowledge and positive attitude are important for effective control of hypertension.
Objective: To assess awareness, knowledge and attitude towards hypertension among people of Nyamagana district.
Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried in the general population from three selected villages of Nyamagana district. Participants were randomly enrolled and data were obtained by standardized written questionnaire. Level of awareness, knowledge and attitude towards hypertension was assessed.
Results: Out of 155 participants, 84.5% were aged less than or equal. Males were 47.1%. Participants who never attended to school were 7.1%, 66.5% had primary education and 26.4% had secondary and high education. Participants who were aware of their current blood pressure were 16.1%, 21.9% had good knowledge scores and 54.8% had positive attitudes towards preventive measures and treatment options of hypertension.
Conclusion and recommendations: Majority of the participants had poor awareness and knowledge but with positive attitudes towards hypertension. comprehensive health education on the nature, risk factors, complications, prevention and treatment should be given through mass media, mass meetings, education curriculums in lower level of education and improving health care systems in terms of availability, affordability, feasibility and sustainability.