Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Diabetes Mellitus among Patients in Primary Health Care Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major public health problem and a leading contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in low- and middle-income countries. In Pakistan, rapid urbanization and lifestyle transitions have contributed to increasing hypertension prevalence, while many cases remain undiagnosed in routine outpatient settings. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated risk factors among adult patients attending outpatient clinics in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 165 adult patients attending selected outpatient clinics in Lahore. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized protocol. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medication. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, body mass index, smoking status, physical activity, dietary salt intake, and family history of hypertension. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression, were performed to identify factors independently associated with hypertension. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 34.5%. Prevalence increased significantly with age, reaching 52.5% among participants older than 50 years. Obesity was strongly associated with hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–8.37). High dietary salt intake (AOR 2.41; 95% CI 1.19–4.88) and a positive family history of hypertension (AOR 2.22; 95% CI 1.12–4.40) were also independently associated with hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension was highly prevalent among adult outpatients in Lahore, with several modifiable risk factors identified. Integrating routine blood pressure screening and targeted lifestyle modification interventions into outpatient care is essential to improve early detection and reduce the burden of hypertension-related complications.