Knowledge, attitude and practice of preventive behavior toward hypertension among Myanmar migrants in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand
Keywords:
Knowledge Attitude Practice, Hypertension, Myanmar migrants, ThailandAbstract
Purpose - Hypertension is one of the most common non-communicable diseases. Over one billion people around the world have hypertension. This study examined the knowledge, attitude and practice for hypertension prevention among the Myanmar migrant workers residing in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 Myanmar migrants in Samut Sakhon province from April to May 2018. Face-to- face interview was done by using validated structured questionnaires. Convenient sampling technique was used. Univariate and Chi-square analysis were employed to analyze the data.
Findings - Fifty-eight percent of the respondents had poor knowledge level. Ninety-five percent did not know their own blood pressure, and 65% never checked blood pressure within last 6 months. Most of the respondents had moderate attitude and practice levels. Age (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001), marital status (p=0.025), education (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001), hypertension status (p=0.001), family history (p<0.001) and diabetes status (p=0.003) were significantly associated with knowledge of hypertension. Age (p=0.002) and occupation (p=0.050) were associated with hypertension attitude. Age (p=0.044), ethnicity (p<0.001), education (p=0.045), occupation (p<0.001), hypertension history (p=0.001), family history of hypertension (p<0.001) and receiving hypertension information (p=0.021) were significantly associated with practice of hypertension prevention. There were associations between knowledge and attitude (p=0.046), knowledge and practice (p<0.001) and attitude and practice level (p=0.046).
Originality/value - Knowing basic knowledge, attitude and preventive practices is very important to prevent hypertension. Appropriate education and communication strategies should be suitably designed among Myanmar migrants living in Thailand.
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