Background

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is a crucial part of managing and preventing complications of hypertension.

Objectives

The study’s objective was to evaluate adult hypertension patients’ knowledge of and attitudes towards home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM). However, it is uncertain whether individuals with hypertension in Saudi Arabia monitor their blood pressure at home.

Material and methods

In a cross-sectional survey, a total of 830 cases, ranging from 18 years of age and above of both genders, were selected. Patients with hypertension for more than six months were included. Data was collected by filling out the designed questionnaire.

Results

Knowledge related to blood pressure (BP) measurements was moderate to high, whereas the practices of home blood pressure monitoring were not satisfactory. Our results imply that patients are informed about hypertension (HTN) in general but are less aware of specific factors associated with it, specifically their own degree of BP control. There was no statistically significant association between the age of the participants, gender, educational level, occupation, residency region and the duration of HTN compared with knowledge and level of practice; however, it was observed that participants who had sufficient average monthly income, positive family history of hypertension and patients with chronic disease(s) had significantly better knowledge and good practices.

Conclusions

The knowledge of hypertensive patients related to HBPM was found to be moderate, while their practices were poor. Hypertensive patients > 60 years of age showed better practices. Both knowledge and practices were comparatively better in patients who were married, those who had a sufficient monthly income, those with a family history of HTN and those who had associated comorbidities.