Nivel de conocimiento de la Hipertención Arterial en pensionados de la Federación de Jubilados de la provincia del Cañar, Azogues - Ecuador, marzo - agosto 2024

Abstract

Background: Arterial hypertension, known as the “silent killer,” is a chronic disease that causes an increase in blood pressure, with systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 140 millimeters of mercury and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 millimeters of mercury. Its etiology is diverse, and it presents high morbidity and mortality due to systemic vascular damage. It is determined by various factors, the main ones being age, overweight, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge about arterial hypertension among pensioners of the Federation of Retirees of the province of Cañar, Azogues, Ecuador, from March to August 2024. Methodology: This study used an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective design with a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from primary sources through completion of an anonymous and confidential survey. The data were described using descriptive and inferential statistics, entered, and processed in IBM SPSS Statistical software. Results: The analysis of knowledge levels about arterial hypertension among pensioners shows a strong correlation with the adoption of healthy behaviors. Pensioners with greater knowledge are more likely to recognize risk factors. The level of academic education did not show a direct relationship with knowledge about arterial hypertension. There is a positive association between the duration of arterial hypertension and knowledge level, as pensioners who have lived with the disease longer tend to have greater knowledge of it. Keywords: older adults, knowledge, risk factors, retirees, arterial hypertension