Knowledge, Practice, and associated factors on the Prevention of Hypertension Complications among Patients with Hypertension at Arsi University, Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, south-east Ethiopia

Knowledge, Practice, and associated factors on the Prevention of Hypertension Complications among Patients with Hypertension at Arsi University, Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, south-east Ethiopia | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Knowledge, Practice, and associated factors on the Prevention of Hypertension Complications among Patients with Hypertension at Arsi University, Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, south-east Ethiopia Abdella Amano Abdo, Amin Nure, Ketema Beyane, Fanos Yonas, Belayneh Leta, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7583103/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 7 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular complications globally. However, the knowledge and practices regarding its prevention remain crucial for managing associated risks. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, practice, and associated factors regarding the prevention of hypertension complications among hypertensive patients at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 hypertensive patients attending follow-up treatment. Systematic random sampling was employed to select participants, and data was collected using a well-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with good practices for hypertension complication prevention. Results Of the 302 participants, 190 (62.9%) had good knowledge, and 149 (49.3%) had good practices regarding hypertension complication prevention. Factors significantly associated with good prevention practices included being female (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.96), tertiary education (AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.33, 5.47), having diabetes (AOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.16), a history of stroke (AOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.26), and having good knowledge (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.89, 3.51). Conclusion The study found that while hypertensive patients exhibited good knowledge about hypertension complications, their practices for preventing such complications were moderate. Factors such as gender, education, comorbidities, and knowledge were significantly associated with better prevention practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve prevention practices, particularly for those with lower knowledge or additional health conditions. hypertension complication knowledge practice prevention Ethiopia Introduction Hypertension (HTN) is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically presents with no symptoms until severe complications arise. ( 1 ). The global prevalence of hypertension has been steadily increasing, with more than 1.13 billion people estimated to be living with the condition, primarily in low- and middle-income countries ( 2 ). HTN accounted for 10.8 million deaths in 2019, during the past four decades, the number of people with hypertension has increased by 90%, mainly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)( 3 ). The main drivers for the rise of HNT are population growth, aging, unhealthy environments, behaviors (sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, obesity, alcohol abuse), and differences in access to quality care ( 1 , 4 ). Poor knowledge about hypertension can also lead to a poor attitude toward the disease which may directly affect patients’ self-care practices toward hypertension ( 5 ). Poor knowledge and practice regarding the prevention of hypertension complications among hypertensive patients can be attributed to several factors. For instance, limited health literacy, lack of awareness about hypertension and its complications, low educational attainment and financial constraints, forgetfulness, side effects, lack of family support, and cultural beliefs and misconceptions are causes of poor knowledge and practice ( 6 – 9 ). Globally, in 2019, around 50% of individuals with hypertension were unaware of their condition, and only about 20% of those with diagnosed hypertension had their condition under control. In Africa, the prevalence of hypertension in adults in sub-Saharan Africa is approximately 30–40%. However, awareness and management remain suboptimal, with studies showing that many African countries report low levels of public awareness and access to treatment ( 1 ). In Ethiopia, hypertension is a growing health concern. According to a study, the prevalence of hypertension in Ethiopia was found to be 21.81% in urban areas and lower in rural areas ( 10 ). A study conducted in Addis Ababa reported that only 48.6% of hypertensive patients have good basic knowledge of hypertension, 47.8% of them have a good attitude and only 39.5% of the study participants have good practice towards control of hypertension ( 11 ). According to the studies, age, income level, gender, race, education level, marriage status, access to self-care information, places for exercise, social support, knowledge of hypertension and its complications, positive attitudes and self-efficacy, availability of follow-up services, patient-provider communication, and comorbid conditions are factors associated with hypertension complications prevention practice ( 12 – 19 ). Patients' knowledge about hypertension and its complications plays a critical role in adopting preventive practices. Studies have shown that adequate knowledge of the risks of hypertension and the benefits of controlling blood pressure are positively associated with better adherence to treatment and preventive measures( 20 ). In Ethiopia, hypertensive patients receive regular treatment and follow-up care. However, there is little information that explores knowledge and practices regarding hypertension complication prevention in this context. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, practice, and associated factors regarding the prevention of hypertension complications among hypertensive patients at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital. Methods Study Design and Setting A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital from August 25 to October 5, 2024. The hospital serves a catchment population of over 5 million and provides both curative and preventive healthcare services, including the diagnosis and management of hypertension. On average, 675 hypertensive patients receive care at the hospital's hypertension clinic each month, where they also receive counseling on complication prevention. Study participants The study participants were hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital during the study period. Patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with hypertension, and receiving care at the hospital for more than 3 months were included in the study. Those who were critically ill or had cognitive impairments that prevented effective communication were excluded. Sample size estimation and sampling technique The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula: n = N / (1 + N (e²)), where N is the total number of hypertensive patients on follow-up at the Hospital (1120), and e is the margin of error (5% or 0.05). Based on this, the calculated sample size was approximately 296. To account for a 5% non-response rate, the final sample size was adjusted to 311. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select participants from the chronic outpatient department. The sampling interval (k) was determined by dividing the total population by the sample size (k = 675 / 311 = 2), meaning every second patient was selected. The first participant was chosen randomly from the first four patients in the service order, and subsequent participants were selected at regular intervals until the required sample size was achieved. Data Collection Tool and Procedure A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was developed in English after an extensive review of relevant literature ( 21 – 25 ) and then translated into Afan-Oromo and Amharic by language experts for simplicity. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and lifestyle factors, knowledge about hypertension complications, and practices for prevention. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews conducted by two trained BSc nurses, supervised by a trained supervisor. After the interviews, nurses measured participants' blood pressure, weight, and height. To ensure data quality, the data collection tool was pre-tested on 5% of a different sample, and modifications were made based on feedback. Data collectors and supervisors received training on the overall procedure. The collected data were reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and consistency by the supervisor and the principal investigator. Data Processing and Analysis Data were cleaned, checked for completeness, and entered into Epi Info version 7.2.5, then exported to SPSS version 26.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages were calculated. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between each independent variable and hypertension complication prevention practices. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to control for potential confounders. In the multivariable model, variables with a P-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results were presented in tables, graphs, and narrative form. Operational def i nitions Knowledge of hypertension complications : Measured by 14 questions with two possible responses: “YES” or “NO,” with scores of 1 or 0, respectively. Participants who scored 50% or more (at least 7 out of 14) were considered to have good knowledge ( 22 ). Good practice on prevention of hypertension complications : This part consisted of 10 questions with two possible responses: “YES” or “NO,” scoring 1 or 0, respectively. Participants who scored 50% or more (at least 5 out of 10) were considered to have good practices ( 21 ). RESULTS Socio-demographic characteristics Out of the 311 participants planned for inclusion, 302 were successfully enrolled in the study, yielding a response rate of 97.1%. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 90 years, with a median age of 58 years and an interquartile range (IQR) of 17 years. Over half of the participants 158 [52.3%] were female. Regarding marital status, 213 (70.5%) of participants were married. In terms of education, 67 participants (22.2%) had no formal education, while 137 participants (45.4%) had completed secondary education or higher (Table 1 ). Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of patients with hypertension attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024. Variables Frequency Percent Age < 60 161 53.3 ≥ 60 141 46.7 Residence Urban 266 88.1 Rural 36 11.9 Gender Female 158 52.3 Male 144 47.7 Marital status Married 213 70.5 Divorced 45 14.9 Single 20 6.6 Widowed 24 7.9 Educational status No formal education 67 22.2 Primary 98 32.5 Secondary 77 25.5 Tertiary education 60 19.9 Occupational status Farmer 52 17.2 Government employee 43 14.2 Housewife 73 24.2 Retired 56 18.5 Others* 78 25.8 Monthly income (ETB) < 5000 231 76.5 ≥ 5000 71 23.5 Others*- merchant, daily laborer, student Clinical and lifestyle-related characteristics The duration of hypertension among participants varied, with 168 (55.6%) having been hypertensive for less than five years. A significant number of participants (155 [51.3%]) had diabetes mellitus. Regarding cardiovascular history, 91 (30.1%) reported heart disease, and 28 (9.3%) had a history of stroke. The majority (95.0%) were non-smokers (Table 2 ). Table 2 Clinical and lifestyle-related characteristics of hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024. Variables Frequency Percent Duration of Hypertension in Years < 5 168 55.6 ≥ 5 134 44.4 Diabetic Mellitus Yes 155 51.3 No 147 48.7 Heart Disease Yes 91 30.1 No 211 69.9 History of stroke (n = 275) Yes 28 9.3 No 247 90.7 Smoking Yes 15 5.0 No 287 95.0 Alcohol use Yes 34 11.3 No 268 88.7 Knowledge of hypertension complications Among the 302 participants, 190 (62.9%) exhibited good knowledge about hypertension and its complications. The most recognized complications were visual impairment (52.6%), kidney problems (43.4%), and stroke (40.4%). A majority, 123 (40.7%) mistakenly believed that medication alone was sufficient for treating hypertension, while 67(22.2%) recognized that both medication and lifestyle modification are essential. However, knowledge about lifestyle factors such as weight management, food choices, and smoking cessation was less comprehensive (Table 3 ). Table 3 Knowledge of complications of hypertension among hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024. Variables Frequency Percent Organs affected by hypertension Heart 120 39.7 Kidney 126 41.7 Vasculature 117 38.7 Nervous system 140 46.4 Eyes 151 50.0 Others 26 8.6 Complications of hypertension Visual impairment 159 52.2 Kidney problem 131 43.4 Stroke 122 40.4 Enlarged heart 115 38.1 MI 80 26.5 Management of hypertension Drug alone only 123 40.7 Lifestyle modification only 18 5.9 Both Drug & Lifestyle modification 67 22.2 Not sure 94 31.1 Weight reduction Yes 196 64.9 No 106 35.1 Reduction of salt intake Yes 207 68.5 No 95 31.5 Reduction of alcohol Yes 220 72.8 No 82 27.2 Reduction of smoking Yes 197 65.2 No 105 34.8 Regular physical activity Yes 184 69.9 No 118 39.1 Consumption of fruits Yes 167 55.3 No 135 44.7 Consumption of vegetables Yes 171 56.6 No 131 43.4 Low-fat and dairy products Yes 189 62.6 No 113 37.4 High blood pressure can be reduced by making changes in your diet. Yes 168 55.6 No 134 44.4 Regular blood pressure check-ups are Necessary Yes 195 64.6 No 107 35.4 People with hypertension do not need to take medicine if they exercise regularly Yes 168 55.6 No 134 44.4 Hypertension complication prevention practices The overall level of good hypertension complication prevention practice was 149 (49.3%). Among the prevention practices, high proportions of participants adhered to reducing alcohol (88.7%) and smoking (95.0%) or taking medications (61.9%). In contrast, fewer participants engaged in physical activity (e.g., 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise per week), reduced weight or fat intake or monitored their salt and dairy consumption (Table 4 ). Table 4 Hypertension complication prevention practices of hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024. Variables Frequency Percent Have restricted/decreased salt from your food Yes 114 37.7 No 188 62.3 Have you increased/improved consumption of fruits Yes 133 44.0 No 169 56.0 Have you increased/improved consumption of vegetables Yes 110 36.4 No 192 63.6 Have you decreased fat and dairy product intake like oil and meat Yes 103 34.1 No 199 65.9 Decreased/ceased alcohol consumption Yes 268 88.7 No 34 11.3 Decrease/cease smoking . Yes 287 95.0 No 15 5.0 Weight reduction in overweight or monitor weight for Others Yes 65 21.5 No 237 78.5 Do you practice at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week Yes 74 24.5 No 228 75.5 Take prescribed medication regularly as prescribed. Yes 187 61.9 No 115 38.1 Associated factors Binary logistic regression analysis showed that being female; education, diabetes, stroke history, and knowledge were significantly associated with hypertension complication prevention practices. Specifically, females (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.96), those with tertiary education (AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.33, 5.47), patients with diabetes (AOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.16), those with a history of stroke (AOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.26), and individuals with good knowledge (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.89, 3.51) were more likely to practice hypertension complication prevention (Table 5 ). Table 5 Associated factors influencing hypertension complication prevention practices among hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024. Variable Practice COR (95% C I) AOR (95% C.I) Good Poor Gender Female 90 68 1.9(1.21, 2.99) 1.8(1.18, 2.96)* Male 59 85 1 1 Educational status No formal education 20 47 1 1 Primary 48 50 2.3 (0.98, 3.62) 2.1 (0.90, 3.54) Secondary 41 36 2.7 (1.27, 3.11) 1.5 (0.79, 2.21 ) Tertiary 40 20 4.7 (2.92, 6.48) 3.9 (2.33, 4.47)* Diabetic Mellitus Yes 86 69 1.7(1.22, 2.18) 1.5(1.20, 2.16)* No 63 86 1 1 Stroke history Yes 21 7 3.4 (1.37, 5.43) 2.8 (1.34, 4.26)* No 128 146 1 1 Knowledge status Good 115 75 3.5(2.18, 4.82) 2.7(1.89, 3.51) * Poor 34 78 1 1 Discussion This study assessed the knowledge and practices of hypertensive patients regarding the prevention of hypertension complications at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital. The results revealed that while the majority of participants (62.9%) had good knowledge of hypertension and its complications, only 49.3% demonstrated good practices in preventing hypertension-related complications. Factors such as female gender, tertiary education, comorbidities like diabetes, history of stroke, and good knowledge were significantly associated with better prevention practices. In this study, 190(62.9%) of study participants had good knowledge of hypertension complications prevention. Previous studies have shown that knowledge about hypertension is a key determinant of health behavior, as informed individuals are more likely to adopt preventive measures (26) . However, while knowledge is a critical factor, it does not always guarantee that individuals will implement the behaviors necessary to reduce their health risks (27). A study done in North-West Ethiopia reported a lower proportion of awareness, 42.4% of participants were aware risk factors and complications of hypertension (28). A study conducted in Addis Ababa reported a similar finding that 67.7% of hypertensive patients had knowledge about self-care among hypertensive patients (22). A study done in southern Tanzania reported consistent findings with this study, 64.4% of patients had awareness of the risk factors, complications, and preventive measures for complications of hypertension (29) and a study from Sri Lanka reported slightly higher finding that more than three-quarter (77%) of the study population were aware of the complications of HTN (20). The reason for the difference might be socio-demographic characteristics and study time. Regarding prevention practices, our study showed that nearly half (49.3%) of participants practiced hypertension complication prevention, which is somewhat lower than the proportion of those with good knowledge. This aligns with findings from Harar, Eastern Ethiopia, where 49.6% of patients adhered to recommended lifestyle modifications (16), however, higher than studies conducted in Addis Abeba, and Bale Zone, Ethiopia reported that 38% and 33.1% of the respondents had good self-care practices, respectively (22,23). In this study, the disparity between knowledge and practices may reflect barriers such as socioeconomic factors, cultural beliefs, or access to healthcare resources, which could influence the ability of patients to adopt recommended practices. According to this study, being female was found to have higher odds of hypertension complication prevention practices than males , suggesting that females may be more likely to engage in practices that prevent hypertension complications. This finding is consistent with previous studies that suggest women are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors than men, possibly due to greater health awareness and engagement with healthcare services (30). This could be influenced by a range of factors, including a heightened awareness of health and wellness, greater healthcare access, or social roles that encourage health management. Moreover, women’s health behaviors are often shaped by societal expectations, which could lead to a higher likelihood of engaging in preventive health behaviors compared to men (31). The current study revealed that those who possessed a tertiary education had higher odds of hypertension complication prevention practices than their counterparts. This finding is in line with a study done in North-West Ethiopia (29). This could be due to those who attain higher education often correlate with better health literacy, increased awareness of hypertension-related risks, and greater adoption of health-promoting behaviors. On the other hand, the current study revealed that having diabetes increased the odds of hypertensive complication prevention practices. This might be because additional education and counseling provided in Diabetes care help to have better hypertensive complication prevention practices(32). Hypertensive patients with diabetes may be more motivated to manage their condition and prevent complications, given the increased risk of cardiovascular issues associated with the combination of hypertension and diabetes (33). Similarly, in the current study, those who had a history of stroke had higher odds of hypertension complication prevention practices than their counterparts. This might be due to individuals who have experienced stroke or have a history of stroke are more likely to engage in preventative behaviors. Another possible explanation is the personal experience of the consequences of hypertension complications, which could increase motivation to prevent further complications. The recognition of the severe impact of stroke can be a strong motivator for patients to adopt better health practices(34). Having a good knowledge of hypertension was strongly associated with good prevention practices. This finding is supported by a study done in Addis Ababa (11). It also aligns with existing literature that highlights the critical role of health literacy in shaping patient behaviors. Patients with a better understanding of hypertension and its complications are more likely to adopt preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and adhering to prescribed medications(26). Our study has several limitations that should be considered when interpreting the findings. First, the study was conducted in a single hospital setting, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other regions or healthcare settings. Second, the cross-sectional nature of the study means that causal relationships cannot be established between the identified factors and hypertension prevention practices. Lastly, the study did not explore the reasons behind participants' practices or barriers to adopting preventive measures, which could provide deeper insights into the challenges faced by hypertensive patients. Conclusion and recommendations The findings suggest that while a substantial proportion of participants demonstrated good knowledge, fewer than half engaged in consistent practices to prevent hypertension complications. Being female, having tertiary education, diabetes, history of stroke, and good knowledge were positively associated with better preventive practices. These results suggest that health education and supportive interventions tailored to specific subgroups may help improve prevention practices among hypertensive patients. Future multicenter and longitudinal studies, including qualitative explorations, are recommended to provide deeper insights into barriers and facilitators of effective prevention practices. Abbreviations BP Blood Pressure CVD Cardiovascular Disease HTN Hypertension LMICs Middle-income Countries Declarations Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the study participants for their contribution to the study and Arsi University, Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital for supporting the research team. Authors’ contributions AAA, AN and KB: Conception and original draft writing. FY, BL, GF, AM and BS: study design, data analysis, and interpretation. AAA, AN and KB: critically review the initial draft and finalize the manuscript. FY, BL, GF, AM and BS: Preparing manuscripts. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript. Funding This study did not receive any external funding Data availability On reasonable request, the corresponding author will provide the complete data set and additional study-related information. Ethical approval and consent to participate The Institutional Ethics Review Committee (IERC) of the Negele Arsi Medical College, provided ethical clearance. The authorization was sought from Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Each study participant was adequately informed about the objective of the study and anticipated benefits and risks of the study by their data collectors. Written informed consent to participate was obtained from all participants before data collection. Patients were told the right not to respond to the questions if they did not want to respond or to terminate the interview at any time. Furthermore, the data collection procedure was anonymous to keep the confidentiality of any information. Clinical trial registration: not applicable. 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Medical College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Amin","middleName":"","lastName":"Nure","suffix":""},{"id":539578435,"identity":"d40965b0-2d6f-4189-81dd-58383357cd60","order_by":2,"name":"Ketema Beyane","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Negele Arsi General Hospital and Medical College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ketema","middleName":"","lastName":"Beyane","suffix":""},{"id":539578436,"identity":"da854f42-caab-46ee-abe1-99d0f27ae8b9","order_by":3,"name":"Fanos Yonas","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Negele Arsi General Hospital and Medical College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Fanos","middleName":"","lastName":"Yonas","suffix":""},{"id":539578437,"identity":"47381db0-8084-4a03-ba26-2bd2cd4a6151","order_by":4,"name":"Belayneh Leta","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Negele Arsi General Hospital and Medical 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12:53:25","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7583103/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7583103/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":95314095,"identity":"8ce365bf-90cd-4cd8-9d0f-37e77854c070","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-06 15:52:27","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":88557,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"HypertentionManuscript.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7583103/v1/95255537bf4b45a063e01f86.docx"},{"id":95293065,"identity":"3df07d47-dfa5-486d-8c3d-e5db2d9c304b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-06 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It is often referred to as the \"silent killer\" because it typically presents with no symptoms until severe complications arise. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The global prevalence of hypertension has been steadily increasing, with more than 1.13\u0026nbsp;billion people estimated to be living with the condition, primarily in low- and middle-income countries (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). HTN accounted for 10.8\u0026nbsp;million deaths in 2019, during the past four decades, the number of people with hypertension has increased by 90%, mainly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The main drivers for the rise of HNT are population growth, aging, unhealthy environments, behaviors (sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, obesity, alcohol abuse), and differences in access to quality care (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Poor knowledge about hypertension can also lead to a poor attitude toward the disease which may directly affect patients\u0026rsquo; self-care practices toward hypertension (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor knowledge and practice regarding the prevention of hypertension complications among hypertensive patients can be attributed to several factors. For instance, limited health literacy, lack of awareness about hypertension and its complications, low educational attainment and financial constraints, forgetfulness, side effects, lack of family support, and cultural beliefs and misconceptions are causes of poor knowledge and practice (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR7 CR8\" citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGlobally, in 2019, around 50% of individuals with hypertension were unaware of their condition, and only about 20% of those with diagnosed hypertension had their condition under control. In Africa, the prevalence of hypertension in adults in sub-Saharan Africa is approximately 30\u0026ndash;40%. However, awareness and management remain suboptimal, with studies showing that many African countries report low levels of public awareness and access to treatment (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Ethiopia, hypertension is a growing health concern. According to a study, the prevalence of hypertension in Ethiopia was found to be 21.81% in urban areas and lower in rural areas (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e). A study conducted in Addis Ababa reported that only 48.6% of hypertensive patients have good basic knowledge of hypertension, 47.8% of them have a good attitude and only 39.5% of the study participants have good practice towards control of hypertension (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to the studies, age, income level, gender, race, education level, marriage status, access to self-care information, places for exercise, social support, knowledge of hypertension and its complications, positive attitudes and self-efficacy, availability of follow-up services, patient-provider communication, and comorbid conditions are factors associated with hypertension complications prevention practice (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR13 CR14 CR15 CR16 CR17 CR18\" citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePatients' knowledge about hypertension and its complications plays a critical role in adopting preventive practices. Studies have shown that adequate knowledge of the risks of hypertension and the benefits of controlling blood pressure are positively associated with better adherence to treatment and preventive measures(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e). In Ethiopia, hypertensive patients receive regular treatment and follow-up care. However, there is little information that explores knowledge and practices regarding hypertension complication prevention in this context.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTherefore, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, practice, and associated factors regarding the prevention of hypertension complications among hypertensive patients at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStudy Design and Setting\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital from August 25 to October 5, 2024. The hospital serves a catchment population of over 5\u0026nbsp;million and provides both curative and preventive healthcare services, including the diagnosis and management of hypertension. On average, 675 hypertensive patients receive care at the hospital's hypertension clinic each month, where they also receive counseling on complication prevention.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy participants\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study participants were hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital during the study period. Patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with hypertension, and receiving care at the hospital for more than 3 months were included in the study. Those who were critically ill or had cognitive impairments that prevented effective communication were excluded.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSample size estimation and sampling technique\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sample size was determined using Yamane\u0026rsquo;s formula: n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;N / (1\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;N (e\u0026sup2;)), where N is the total number of hypertensive patients on follow-up at the Hospital (1120), and e is the margin of error (5% or 0.05). Based on this, the calculated sample size was approximately 296. To account for a 5% non-response rate, the final sample size was adjusted to 311. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select participants from the chronic outpatient department. The sampling interval (k) was determined by dividing the total population by the sample size (k\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;675 / 311\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2), meaning every second patient was selected. The first participant was chosen randomly from the first four patients in the service order, and subsequent participants were selected at regular intervals until the required sample size was achieved.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData Collection Tool and Procedure\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was developed in English after an extensive review of relevant literature (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR22 CR23 CR24\" citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e) and then translated into Afan-Oromo and Amharic by language experts for simplicity. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and lifestyle factors, knowledge about hypertension complications, and practices for prevention. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews conducted by two trained BSc nurses, supervised by a trained supervisor. After the interviews, nurses measured participants' blood pressure, weight, and height.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo ensure data quality, the data collection tool was pre-tested on 5% of a different sample, and modifications were made based on feedback. Data collectors and supervisors received training on the overall procedure. The collected data were reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and consistency by the supervisor and the principal investigator.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData Processing and Analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData were cleaned, checked for completeness, and entered into Epi Info version 7.2.5, then exported to SPSS version 26.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages were calculated. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between each independent variable and hypertension complication prevention practices. Variables with a P-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to control for potential confounders. In the multivariable model, variables with a P-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results were presented in tables, graphs, and narrative form.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOperational def\u003c/b\u003ei\u003cb\u003enitions\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge of hypertension complications\u003c/b\u003e: Measured by 14 questions with two possible responses: \u0026ldquo;YES\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;NO,\u0026rdquo; with scores of 1 or 0, respectively. Participants who scored 50% or more (at least 7 out of 14) were considered to have good knowledge (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGood practice on prevention of hypertension complications\u003c/b\u003e: This part consisted of 10 questions with two possible responses: \u0026ldquo;YES\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;NO,\u0026rdquo; scoring 1 or 0, respectively. Participants who scored 50% or more (at least 5 out of 10) were considered to have good practices (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSocio-demographic characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOut of the 311 participants planned for inclusion, 302 were successfully enrolled in the study, yielding a response rate of 97.1%. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 90 years, with a median age of 58 years and an interquartile range (IQR) of 17 years. Over half of the participants 158 [52.3%] were female. Regarding marital status, 213 (70.5%) of participants were married. In terms of education, 67 participants (22.2%) had no formal education, while 137 participants (45.4%) had completed secondary education or higher (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSocio-demographic characteristics of patients with hypertension attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e161\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e53.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e141\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResidence\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e266\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e88.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e158\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e144\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e213\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducational status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOccupational status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmer\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGovernment employee\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHousewife\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e73\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRetired\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOthers*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMonthly income (ETB)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;5000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e231\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;5000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOthers*- merchant, daily laborer, student\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eClinical and lifestyle-related characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe duration of hypertension among participants varied, with 168 (55.6%) having been hypertensive for less than five years. A significant number of participants (155 [51.3%]) had diabetes mellitus. Regarding cardiovascular history, 91 (30.1%) reported heart disease, and 28 (9.3%) had a history of stroke. The majority (95.0%) were non-smokers (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eClinical and lifestyle-related characteristics of hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuration of Hypertension in Years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e168\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiabetic Mellitus\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e147\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeart Disease\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e211\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistory of stroke (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;275)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e247\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSmoking\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlcohol use\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e268\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e88.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKnowledge of hypertension complications\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong the 302 participants, 190 (62.9%) exhibited good knowledge about hypertension and its complications. The most recognized complications were visual impairment (52.6%), kidney problems (43.4%), and stroke (40.4%). A majority, 123 (40.7%) mistakenly believed that medication alone was sufficient for treating hypertension, while 67(22.2%) recognized that both medication and lifestyle modification are essential. However, knowledge about lifestyle factors such as weight management, food choices, and smoking cessation was less comprehensive (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnowledge of complications of hypertension among hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"12\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrgans affected by hypertension\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHeart\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKidney\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e126\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVasculature\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e117\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNervous system\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e140\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEyes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e151\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eComplications of hypertension\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVisual impairment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e159\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKidney problem\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e131\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStroke\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnlarged heart\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMI\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eManagement of hypertension\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrug alone only\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e123\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLifestyle modification only\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth Drug \u0026amp; Lifestyle modification\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot sure\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight reduction\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e196\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReduction of salt intake\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e207\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReduction of alcohol\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e220\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReduction of smoking\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e197\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRegular physical activity\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e184\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eConsumption of fruits\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e167\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e135\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eConsumption of vegetables\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e171\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e131\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLow-fat and dairy products\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e189\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e113\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHigh blood pressure can be reduced by making changes in your diet.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e168\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRegular blood pressure check-ups are Necessary\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e195\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e107\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePeople with hypertension do not need to take medicine if they exercise regularly\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e168\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHypertension complication prevention practices\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe overall level of good hypertension complication prevention practice was 149 (49.3%). Among the prevention practices, high proportions of participants adhered to reducing alcohol (88.7%) and smoking (95.0%) or taking medications (61.9%). In contrast, fewer participants engaged in physical activity (e.g., 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise per week), reduced weight or fat intake or monitored their salt and dairy consumption (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHypertension complication prevention practices of hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave restricted/decreased salt from your food\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e114\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e188\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHave you increased/improved consumption of fruits\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e133\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e169\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHave you increased/improved consumption of vegetables\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e192\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHave you decreased fat and dairy product intake like oil and meat\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e103\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e199\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDecreased/ceased alcohol consumption\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e268\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e88.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDecrease/cease smoking\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight reduction in overweight or monitor weight for Others\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e237\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDo you practice at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e228\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTake prescribed medication regularly as prescribed.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e187\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAssociated factors\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBinary logistic regression analysis showed that being female; education, diabetes, stroke history, and knowledge were significantly associated with hypertension complication prevention practices. Specifically, females (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.96), those with tertiary education (AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.33, 5.47), patients with diabetes (AOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.16), those with a history of stroke (AOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.26), and individuals with good knowledge (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.89, 3.51) were more likely to practice hypertension complication prevention (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAssociated factors influencing hypertension complication prevention practices among hypertensive patients attending follow-up care at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital, October 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePractice\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCOR (95% C I)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAOR (95% C.I)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.9(1.21, 2.99)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.8(1.18, 2.96)*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEducational status\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.3 (0.98, 3.62)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.1 (0.90, 3.54)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.7 (1.27, 3.11)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.79, 2.21\u003cb\u003e)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTertiary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.7 (2.92, 6.48)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.9 (2.33, 4.47)*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiabetic Mellitus\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.7(1.22, 2.18)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.5(1.20, 2.16)*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStroke history\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.4 (1.37, 5.43)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.8 (1.34, 4.26)*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e128\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e146\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnowledge status\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.5(2.18, 4.82)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.7(1.89, 3.51)\u003cb\u003e*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study assessed the knowledge and practices of hypertensive patients regarding the prevention of hypertension complications at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital. The results revealed that while the majority of participants (62.9%) had good knowledge of hypertension and its complications, only 49.3% demonstrated good practices in preventing hypertension-related complications. Factors such as female gender, tertiary education, comorbidities like diabetes, history of stroke, and good knowledge were significantly associated with better prevention practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, 190(62.9%) of study participants had good knowledge of hypertension\u0026nbsp;complications prevention. Previous studies have shown that knowledge about hypertension is a key determinant of health behavior, as informed individuals are more likely to adopt preventive measures (26)\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e However, while knowledge is a critical factor, it does not always guarantee that individuals will implement the behaviors necessary to reduce their health risks (27). A study done in North-West Ethiopia reported a lower proportion of awareness, 42.4% of participants were aware risk factors and complications of hypertension (28). A study conducted in Addis Ababa reported a similar finding that 67.7% of hypertensive patients had knowledge about self-care among hypertensive patients (22). \u0026nbsp;A study done in southern Tanzania reported consistent findings with this study, 64.4% of patients had awareness of the risk factors, complications, and preventive measures for complications of hypertension (29) and a study from Sri Lanka reported slightly higher finding that more than three-quarter (77%) of the study population were aware of the complications of HTN (20). The reason for the difference might be socio-demographic characteristics and study time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegarding prevention practices, our study showed that nearly half (49.3%) of participants practiced hypertension complication prevention, which is somewhat lower than the proportion of those with good knowledge. This aligns with findings from Harar, Eastern Ethiopia, where 49.6% of patients adhered to recommended lifestyle modifications (16), however, higher than studies conducted in Addis Abeba, and Bale Zone, Ethiopia reported that 38% and 33.1% of the respondents had good self-care practices, respectively (22,23). In this study, the disparity between knowledge and practices may reflect barriers such as socioeconomic factors, cultural beliefs, or access to healthcare resources, which could influence the ability of patients to adopt recommended practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to this study, being female was found to have higher odds of hypertension complication prevention practices than males\u003cstrong\u003e,\u003c/strong\u003e suggesting that females may be more likely to engage in practices that prevent hypertension complications. This finding is consistent with previous studies that suggest women are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors than men, possibly due to greater health awareness and engagement with healthcare services (30). This could be influenced by a range of factors, including a heightened awareness of health and wellness, greater healthcare access, or social roles that encourage health management. Moreover, women’s health behaviors are often shaped by societal expectations, which could lead to a higher likelihood of engaging in preventive health behaviors compared to men (31).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe current study revealed that those who possessed a tertiary education had higher odds of hypertension complication prevention practices than their counterparts. This finding is in line with a study done in North-West Ethiopia (29). This could be due to those who attain higher education often correlate with better health literacy, increased awareness of hypertension-related risks, and greater adoption of health-promoting behaviors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;other hand,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;current\u0026nbsp;study\u0026nbsp;revealed\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;having\u0026nbsp;diabetes\u0026nbsp;increased\u0026nbsp;the odds\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;hypertensive complication prevention practices. This might be because additional education and counseling provided in Diabetes care help to have better hypertensive complication prevention practices(32). Hypertensive patients with diabetes may be more motivated to manage their condition and prevent complications, given the increased risk of cardiovascular issues associated with the combination of hypertension and diabetes (33).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilarly, in the current study, those who had a history of stroke had higher odds of hypertension complication prevention practices than their counterparts. This might be due to individuals who have experienced stroke or have a history of stroke are more likely to engage in preventative behaviors. Another possible explanation is the personal experience of the consequences of hypertension complications, which could increase motivation to prevent further complications. The recognition of the severe impact of stroke can be a strong motivator for patients to adopt better health practices(34).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving a good knowledge of hypertension was strongly associated with good prevention practices. This finding is supported by a study done in Addis Ababa (11). It also aligns with existing literature that highlights the critical role of health literacy in shaping patient behaviors. Patients with a better understanding of hypertension and its complications are more likely to adopt preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and adhering to prescribed medications(26).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur study has several limitations that should be considered when interpreting the findings. First, the study was conducted in a single hospital setting, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other regions or healthcare settings. Second, the cross-sectional nature of the study means that causal relationships cannot be established between the identified factors and hypertension prevention practices. Lastly, the study did not explore the reasons behind participants' practices or barriers to adopting preventive measures, which could provide deeper insights into the challenges faced by hypertensive patients.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion and recommendations","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe findings suggest that while a substantial proportion of participants demonstrated good knowledge, fewer than half engaged in consistent practices to prevent hypertension complications. Being female, having tertiary education, diabetes, history of stroke, and good knowledge were positively associated with better preventive practices. These results suggest that health education and supportive interventions tailored to specific subgroups may help improve prevention practices among hypertensive patients. Future multicenter and longitudinal studies, including qualitative explorations, are recommended to provide deeper insights into barriers and facilitators of effective prevention practices.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eBP\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlood Pressure\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eCVD\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCardiovascular Disease\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eHTN\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHypertension\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eLMICs\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle-income Countries\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to thank the study participants for their contribution to the study and Arsi University, Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital for supporting the research team.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAAA, AN and KB: Conception and original draft writing. FY, BL, GF, AM and BS: study design, data analysis, and interpretation. AAA, AN and KB: critically review the initial draft and finalize the manuscript. FY, BL, GF, AM and BS: Preparing manuscripts. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study did not receive any external funding\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn reasonable request, the corresponding author will provide the complete data set and additional study-related information.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"_Toc112788565\"\u003eThe Institutional Ethics Review Committee (IERC) of the Negele Arsi Medical College, provided ethical clearance. The authorization was sought from Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach study participant was adequately informed about the objective of the study and anticipated benefits and risks of the study by their data collectors. Written informed consent to participate was obtained from all participants before data collection. Patients were told the right not to respond to the questions if they did not want to respond or to terminate the interview at any time. Furthermore, the data collection procedure was anonymous to keep the confidentiality of any information.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical trial registration:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Details\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003eDepartment of Public Health,Negele Arsi General Hospital and Medical College, Negele Arsi, Ethiopia.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003eDepartment of Medicine, Negele Arsi General Hospital and Medical College, Negele Arsi, Ethiopia.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003eDepartment of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWHO. Global report on hypertension. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnger T, Borghi C, Charchar F, Khan NA, Poulter NR, Prabhakaran D, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines 2020 International Society of Hypertension Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines International Society of Hypertension. 2020;1334\u0026ndash;57. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHunter PG, Chapman FA. Hypertension : Current trends and future perspectives. 2025;(February 2021):1\u0026ndash;16. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSchutte AE, Jafar TH, Poulter NR, Damasceno A, Khan NA, Nilsson PM, et al. Addressing global disparities in blood pressure control : perspectives of the International Society of Hypertension. Cardiovasc Res [Internet]. 2023;119(2):381\u0026ndash;409. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac130\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUkoha-kalu BO, Adibe MO, Anosike C, Ukwe CV. Knowledge , attitude and practice towards hypertension among patients receiving care in a Nigerian Hospital. 2020;48\u0026ndash;51. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHussien M. A Qualitative Study on Barriers to Treatment and Control of Hypertension Among Patients at Dessie Referral Hospital , Northeast Ethiopia , Ethiopia : Healthcare Workers \u0026rsquo; Perspective. 2021;173\u0026ndash;8. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGemeda AT, Regassa LD, Legesse N, Tusa BS. Adherence to antihypertensive medications and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia : Systematic review and meta-analysis. 2020; \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNewtonraj A, Arun S, Bazroy J, Tovia S. Lay perspectives on causes and complications of hypertension ; and barrier to access health care by known hypertensive patients : a qualitative study from a rural area of South India. 2017;4(3):704\u0026ndash;7. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePahria T, Nugroho C, Yani DI. Vascular Health and Risk Management Factors Influencing Self-Care Behaviors in Hypertension Factors Influencing Self-Care Behaviors in Hypertension Patients With Complications. 2022; \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbebaw S, Id T, Bukayaw YA, Yigizaw T, Angaw DA. Prevalence of hypertension and its determinants in Ethiopia : A systematic review and meta-analysis. 2020; Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244642\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDawit B, Bacha D, Abera H. Knowledge , Attitude and Self-Care Practice towards Control of Hypertension among Hypertensive Patients on Follow-up at St . Paul \u0026rsquo; s Hospital , Addis Ababa. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdeme S, Aga F. Hypertension self-care practice and associated factors among patients in public health facilities of Dessie town , Ethiopia. 2019;0:1\u0026ndash;9. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGebrezgi MT, Trepka MJ, Kidane EA. Barriers to and facilitators of hypertension management in Asmara , Eritrea : patients \u0026rsquo; perspectives. 2017;1\u0026ndash;7. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWake AD, Gebreyohannes LT. Hypertension complications : common complications , awareness and associated factors in hypertensive patients in Ethiopia : multicenter cross sectional study. 2024;17(3):67\u0026ndash;74. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmbaw AD, Alemie GA, Yohannes SMW, Mengesha ZB. Adherence to antihypertensive treatment and associated factors among patients on follow up at University of Gondar Hospital , Northwest Ethiopia. BMC Public Health [Internet]. 2012;12(1):1. Available from: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/1471-2458-12-282\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHussen FM, Adem HA, Roba HS, Mengistie B, Assefa N. Self-care practice and associated factors among hypertensive patients in public health facilities in Harar Town , Eastern Ethiopia : A cross-sectional study. 2020; \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eToleha A, Debela Y, Anagaw TF. Lifestyle Modification Practice and Associated Factors among People with Hypertension Follow-Up in Oromiya Special Zone Hospitals , Ethiopia : A Cross Sectional Survey. 2023;4:95\u0026ndash;100. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhatib R, Schwalm J david, Yusuf S, Haynes RB, Mckee M, Khan M, et al. Patient and Healthcare Provider Barriers to Hypertension Awareness , Treatment and Follow Up : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies. 2014;9(1):1\u0026ndash;12. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeremew G, Ambaw F, Bogale EK. Adherence to Lifestyle Modification Practices and Its Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients in Bahir Dar City Hospitals , North West. 2023;(November):111\u0026ndash;22. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRalapanawa U, Bopeththa K, Wickramasurendra N, Tennakoon S. Hypertension Knowledge , Attitude , and Practice in Adult Hypertensive Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka. 2020;2020(i). \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWake AD. Knowledge and Attitude of Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure Among Adult Hypertensive Patients on Follow-Up at Selected Public Hospitals in Arsi Zone , Oromia Regional State , Ethiopia : A Cross-Sectional Study. 2020;1\u0026ndash;13. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKebede T, Taddese Z, Girma A. Knowledge , attitude and practices of lifestyle modification and associated factors among hypertensive patients on-treatment follow up at Yekatit 12 General Hospital in the largest city of East Africa : A prospective cross- sectional study. 2022;1\u0026ndash;28. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262780\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTebelu DT, Tadesse TA, Getahun MS. Hypertension self ‑ care practice and its associated factors in Bale Zone , Southeast Ethiopia : A multi ‑ center cross ‑ sectional study. J Pharm Policy Pract [Internet]. 2025;(2023):1\u0026ndash;10. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-022-00508-x\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eId MW, Azale T, Demissie GD, Addis B. Knowledge about hypertension and associated factors among patients with hypertension in public health facilities of Gondar city , Northwest Ethiopia : Ordinal logistic regression analysis. 2022;1\u0026ndash;10. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270030\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTibebu A, Mengistu D. Adherence to recommended lifestyle modifications and factors associated for hypertensive patients attending chronic follow-up units of selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa , Ethiopia. 2017;323\u0026ndash;30. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDr. Abu Sayeed Md. Saleh, 2Monjur Rahman 3S M Saidur Rahman Mashreky. Abstract : 2024;1\u0026ndash;16. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eId MAP, Id OA, Id AE, Commodore- Y, Id M, Kaur J, et al. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH Barriers to effective hypertension management in rural Bihar , India : A cross- sectional , linked supply- and demand-side study. 2022;1\u0026ndash;17. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0000513\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChekol HR. Awareness of hypertension-related complications and its determinants among adult hypertensive patients in Ethiopia. 2024; \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKanuda M. Mandago1 FPM. Awareness of Risk Factors and Complications of Hypertension in Southern Tanzania. 2018;7(3):155\u0026ndash;63. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMsw MS, Fellow PD. The role of stress in the relationships between gender and health-promoting behaviours. 2010;572\u0026ndash;80. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCullen KW, Koehly LM, Anderson C, Baranowski T, Prokhorov A, Basen-engquist K, et al. the Transition out of High School. 1999;17(1):1\u0026ndash;7. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAanand D. Naik, MD, Michael A. Kallen, PhD, MPH, Annette Walder, MS, and Richard L. Street Jr. of Collaborative and Proactive Health Communication. 2013;117(11):1361\u0026ndash;8. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeonchit Nuamchit Duangduan Siriwittayawan Piyanuch Thitiwuthikiat. The Relationship Between Glycemic Control and Concomitant Hypertension on Arterial Stiffness in Type II Diabetes. 2020;343\u0026ndash;52. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBushnell CD, Fonarow GC. Secondary preventive medication persistence and adherence 1 year after stroke. 2011; \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-cardiovascular-disorders","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"bcar","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Cardiovascular Disorders](http://bmccardiovascdisord.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/bcar/default.aspx","title":"BMC Cardiovascular Disorders","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"hypertension, complication, knowledge, practice, prevention, Ethiopia","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7583103/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7583103/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular complications globally. However, the knowledge and practices regarding its prevention remain crucial for managing associated risks. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, practice, and associated factors regarding the prevention of hypertension complications among hypertensive patients at Arsi University, Asella Teaching, and Referral Hospital\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 hypertensive patients attending follow-up treatment. Systematic random sampling was employed to select participants, and data was collected using a well-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with good practices for hypertension complication prevention.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf the 302 participants, 190 (62.9%) had good knowledge, and 149 (49.3%) had good practices regarding hypertension complication prevention. Factors significantly associated with good prevention practices included being female (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.96), tertiary education (AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.33, 5.47), having diabetes (AOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.16), a history of stroke (AOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.26), and having good knowledge (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.89, 3.51).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study found that while hypertensive patients exhibited good knowledge about hypertension complications, their practices for preventing such complications were moderate. Factors such as gender, education, comorbidities, and knowledge were significantly associated with better prevention practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve prevention practices, particularly for those with lower knowledge or additional health conditions.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Knowledge, Practice, and associated factors on the Prevention of Hypertension Complications among Patients with Hypertension at Arsi University, Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, south-east Ethiopia","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-06 11:34:48","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7583103/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-20T01:38:34+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"111044239927710322157338017193327339085","date":"2025-11-04T05:42:36+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-10-27T16:50:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-10-09T04:31:48+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-30T06:07:44+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-09-29T11:39:14+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Cardiovascular Disorders","date":"2025-09-22T21:38:04+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-cardiovascular-disorders","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"bcar","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Cardiovascular Disorders](http://bmccardiovascdisord.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/bcar/default.aspx","title":"BMC Cardiovascular Disorders","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"3502e1e3-93ed-4e8b-a4de-3a35cc0214d8","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 6th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-06T11:34:48+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-06 11:34:48","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7583103","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7583103","identity":"rs-7583103","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}