1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The awareness and attitude towards hypertension and its associated risk factors have evolved over the years, paralleling advancements in public health education and disease prevention strategies. Hypertension, initially considered a disease predominantly affecting older adults, has gradually become a concern for younger populations, including students, due to lifestyle changes and urbanization (World Health Organization, 2021). Historically, awareness campaigns about hypertension risk factors began to gain prominence in the mid-20th century, focusing primarily on adult populations. However, as the prevalence of hypertension began to rise among younger age groups, researchers and health professionals turned their attention to students.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases globally, significantly contributing to the global burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that over 1.28 billion individuals suffer from hypertension, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries where awareness, treatment, and control are often suboptimal (World Health Organization, 2021). This underscores the need for early education and preventive strategies, particularly among younger populations, to reduce the prevalence and long-term complications associated with the disease.
Hypertension is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it typically presents no symptoms until severe damage has occurred in critical organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Risk factors for hypertension include poor dietary practices, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and exposure to chronic stress (Chobanian et al., 2003). While these factors are widely acknowledged among adults, there is growing evidence that their prevalence is increasing among adolescents and young adults, including students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions (Lloyd-Sherlock et al., 2014).
Students represent a critical demographic for preventive health interventions, as habits formed during this period often persist into adulthood. Despite this, studies have revealed a concerning lack of awareness and misconceptions about hypertension and its risk factors among young people (Akinpelu et al., 2015). For instance, many students remain unaware of the impact of high salt intake, sedentary lifestyles, and inadequate sleep on blood pressure regulation. This knowledge gap poses significant challenges to efforts aimed at curbing the rise in hypertension-related diseases.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant public health issue and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other chronic conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide suffer from hypertension, with many being unaware of their condition (World Health Organization, 2021). While this health concern is often associated with adults, emerging evidence indicates that awareness and preventive strategies should begin in adolescence and early adulthood due to the increasing prevalence of risk factors among young populations (Chobanian et al., 2003). Students, particularly those in secondary schools and higher education institutions, often engage in lifestyles that predispose them to hypertension, such as poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and exposure to stress. Despite these risks, studies have shown that the level of awareness and understanding of the causes and consequences of hypertension among young people remains low (Akinpelu et al., 2015). A lack of knowledge about risk factors such as excessive salt intake, obesity, and sedentary behavior further exacerbates the problem, limiting the adoption of preventive measures. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the students' awareness and attitude towards risk factors for high blood pressure.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that high blood pressure, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, is increasingly becoming a public health concern among young populations due to lifestyle changes and limited awareness of its risk factors. Despite efforts to reduce its prevalence, studies indicate that a significant proportion of students remain unaware of the factors contributing to hypertension, including poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and stress (World Health Organization, 2021).
Furthermore, the attitudes of students toward hypertension risk factors are also a major concern. Many young people dismiss hypertension as a condition affecting only older adults, which leads to negligence regarding preventive measures. Research shows that misconceptions about the disease and its risk factors further contribute to poor health-seeking behaviors among students (Akinpelu et al., 2015). The gap in awareness and attitude is exacerbated by inadequate health education in schools and universities, especially in low- and middle-income countries where hypertension is often not prioritized in health curricula (Lloyd-Sherlock et al., 2014).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess students' awareness and attitudes toward the risk factors for high blood pressure. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the influence of demographic factors such as age, gender, and educational background on students' awareness and attitudes.
- To examine students' attitudes toward hypertension and its associated risk factors.
- To identify common misconceptions students hold about high blood pressure and its prevention.
- To evaluate students' level of knowledge about the risk factors for high blood pressure.
- To recommend strategies for improving health education on hypertension prevention among students.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the level of awareness among students regarding the risk factors for high blood pressure?
- What are the attitudes of students toward hypertension and its associated risk factors?
- What misconceptions do students have about high blood pressure and its prevention?
- How do demographic factors such as age, gender, and educational background influence students' awareness and attitudes toward hypertension?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve students' awareness and attitudes toward the prevention of high blood pressure?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between students' awareness of risk factors and their attitudes toward high blood pressure prevention.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between students' awareness of risk factors and their attitudes toward high blood pressure prevention.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Students with higher levels of knowledge about high blood pressure risk factors are not likely to adopt preventive behaviors.
- H1: Students with higher levels of knowledge about high blood pressure risk factors are more likely to adopt preventive behaviors.
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings will contribute to the development of targeted health education programs that will promote awareness and preventive measures among young populations. It will serve as a resource for educators, policymakers, and public health practitioners, enabling them to design strategies that will address the specific needs of students in managing and preventing hypertension.
Additionally, the research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on hypertension prevention, providing a foundation for further studies that will explore innovative ways to engage young people in maintaining cardiovascular health. The study will also support advocacy efforts to prioritize hypertension awareness in school and university curricula, ensuring a long-term impact on public health outcomes.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the students' awareness and attitude towards risk factors for high blood pressure.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Awareness:
Awareness refers to the knowledge or understanding that individuals have about a particular subject, in this case, the risk factors for high blood pressure. It involves being informed about the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods related to hypertension (World Health Organization, 2021).
Attitude:
Attitude refers to a person's beliefs, feelings, and behavioral tendencies toward a specific subject. In the context of this study, it pertains to how students feel and act in relation to the risk factors of high blood pressure, such as whether they are likely to adopt preventive measures or dismiss the risks (Ajzen, 1991).
Risk Factors:
Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease or health condition. For high blood pressure, common risk factors include poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and family history (Chobanian et al., 2003).
Hypertension: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues (American Heart Association, 2020).
Students: Students are individuals who are actively engaged in a formal educational setting, such as a school, college, or university, with a focus on those who are attending undergraduate or secondary level education.
Health Education:
Health education involves providing individuals with the information and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health, including understanding how to prevent and manage conditions such as high blood pressure (Green & Kreuter, 2005).
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