Hypertension Awareness, Risk Factors, and Preventive Measures among Patients Availing and Not Availing Health and Wellness Center Services: A Community-based Study from Haryana, India
Ashish Bhat, Feroz Ikbal, Saroj Kumar, Priyasha Sharma, Swati Bakshi, Manoj SonuneAbstract
Background:
Hypertension (HTN) is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in India. Under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) have been established to strengthen comprehensive primary healthcare, including health promotion and management of noncommunicable diseases. This study compared awareness of HTN, its risk factors, and preventive measures among hypertensive patients utilizing and not utilizing HWC services in Kurukshetra district, Haryana.
Methodology:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 adults aged ≥30 years with HTN diagnosed for at least 6 months. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling and categorized into HWC users and nonusers. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the HTN Knowledge-Level Scale. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent-samples
Results:
Participants utilizing HWC services demonstrated significantly higher awareness of HTN, its risk factors, and preventive measures than nonusers (
Conclusion:
Utilization of HWC services was associated with substantially higher awareness of HTN, its risk factors, and preventive measures. Strengthening HWC-based health education and targeted community outreach among underserved populations may further improve HTN awareness and prevention.