Assessing Awareness, Attitudes and Management Practices Related to Diabetes and Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study among the Patients of the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital and the Mobile Hospital
India is witnessing a silent health crisis where a majority of the population is suffering from different non-communicable diseases, especially Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. Recent NFHS-5–based research shows that 13.5% of women and 15.6% men aged 15 and above suffer from high blood sugar levels. The figures are quite alarming in case of Hypertension too, with 21.3% of women and 24% of men suffering from elevated blood pressure levels.
In Andhra Pradesh, these figures have been consistently above the national average, which is quite concerning. These figures represent more than just data; they reflect lives at risk of serious complications such as heart attacks, kidney failure, strokes, vision loss, and other health-related consequences.
However, the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital and the Mobile Hospital at Puttaparthi are a lifeline for thousands of people. They offer completely free consultations, diagnostics, treatment, and lifelong medication—regardless of caste, creed, or income. However, a significant challenge that still persists is the lack of awareness among these diagnosed patients.
Many of them remain unaware of their condition, largely due to low levels of education, limited income, and their rural setup. To gain deeper insights into this issue, we conducted a primary survey involving 300 diagnosed patients at the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital and the Sri Sathya Sai Mobile Hospital. The objectives of the studyare:
- To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and management practices (KAP) regarding diabetes and hypertension among patients registered at the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital and the Mobile Hospital.
- To evaluate the association between knowledge and health behaviour (e.g.,medication adherence, diet, follow-up)
- To explore the role of socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors in influencing awareness, control, and management of diabetes and hypertension.
Through descriptive and inferential statistics, the study highlights the need to improve awareness and self-management among the patients in these areas.