Hypertension awareness, detection and treatment in a university community: results of a worksite screening

This study aimed to assess knowledge levels, explore the extent of undiagnosed hypertension, record previous screening activity and monitor the outcomes of previous hypertension treatment. To this end, information was collected from volunteer members of a university community, by means of a self-report questionnaire, about their personal characteristics, knowledge and experience of hypertension and stroke, and previous blood pressure measurements. Tn addition, their current blood pressure was recorded. A total of 653 staff and students completed the questionnaire and had their blood pressure measured. Analysis revealed that 82% were normotensive (diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg). Hypertension was significantly associated with age, self-reported excess weight P < 0.001) and marginally with self-reported non-healthy eating (P = 0.06). Of the volunteers, 57% could not provide an accurate definition of a stroke. Knowledge levels were significantly and positively related to experience of stroke, healthy eating, not smoking and a recent blood pressure check. Of the respondents, 30% stated that they had not had their blood pressure measured in the previous two years. 51% of known hypertensives were not controlled. 68% of volunteers with diastolic blood pressure > 89 mmHg were previously unaware of a potential hypertension problem. Hypertension rates amongst the university volunteers are higher than those recently recorded from a population sample. Scope exists for increasing knowledge and awareness, and for raising both screening rates and treatment outcomes. Improvements in these areas are required if current public health targets for heart disease and stroke are to be achieved. Worksite screening programmes can contribute to this endeavour.