Abstract
Objective: This study is carried out to evaluate the knowledge levels, perceptions and attitudes of families about childhood hypertension and to identify the sources that are effective in creating knowledge and awareness of childhood hypertension.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with the families of children who applied to our children hospitals’ outpatient clinics between January 15, 2018 and June 15, 2018.
Results: The participants who live in the city center compared to those living in other places (p = 0.002); health professionals compared to other occupational groups (p <0.001); those with an income level of 5001 TL and above, compared to other income levels (p <0.001); university graduates compared to other education categories (p <0.001); those who had high blood pressure in their family or relatives compared to others (p = 0.015) and participants who had measured blood pressures compared to those who did not (p <0.001) had higher number of correct answers and knowledge levels.
Conclusion: In this study it was determined that knowledge level of the families about childhood hypertension was found to be moderate to low. It has been determined that as the education levels of the individuals increase, their knowledge level generally increases. Considering that hypertension, which is an important public health problem in our country, is becoming more common in childhood and its morbidity is reflected in adulthood; there is a need for community-accepted and applicable community-based conservation and education projects. Family physicians, who have an extremely important role in informing the society, are thought to be the most effective, accessible and able to present scientific and updated information at this point
Keywords: awareness, childhood, hypertension
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