DESCRIPTION OF THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION IN HYPERTENSION PATIENTS AT THE POSBINDU IN PRANTI VILLAGE, SIDARJO

Abstract

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease known as a "silent killer" because it often presents no symptoms yet carries the risk of serious complications if not properly controlled. A key factor in hypertension control is the patient's level of knowledge regarding blood pressure reduction through lifestyle changes and treatment adherence. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge concerning blood pressure reduction efforts among hypertensive patients at the Posbindu (Integrated Non-Communicable Disease Post) in Pranti Village, Sidoarjo. A descriptive study design with a cross-sectional approach was employed. The study population consisted of 70 individuals, with a sample of 42 respondents selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using univariate analysis. The results showed that the majority of respondents were aged ≥60 years (52.4%), female (83.3%), had an elementary school education (45.2%), and had suffered from hypertension for less than 5 years (57.1%). Regarding knowledge of blood pressure reduction efforts, the largest proportion of respondents fell into the "poor" category (42.9%), followed by "fair" (31.0%) and "good" (26.2%). The findings indicate that most hypertensive patients still possess insufficient knowledge about lowering blood pressure, particularly regarding lifestyle modifications and self-management of the condition. In conclusion, the knowledge level of hypertensive patients at the Pranti Village Posbindu remains low. Therefore, more intensive and sustainable health education—tailored to the patients' characteristics—is required to improve knowledge and encourage the adoption of healthy behaviors for blood pressure control.