Knowledge, attitude and practice of general physicians in treatment and complications of hypertension in Fars province, southern Iran

Background: Hypertension as a community health problem, showing an increasing trend in many parts of the world. Controlling the disease depends on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of general physicians as the main health providers in the community. In this study, the impact of KAP of general physicians on hypertension, as the first line of treatment of hypertension was evaluated. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 300 general physicians working in health and treatment sectors of Fars Province, southern Iran were entered in our study and their KAP were determined utilizing a validated and reliable questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 52 items incorporated in four sections. Results: The mean age of general physicians was 38.2 ± 3.6 years. 64.2%, 20.3%, and 26.5% of general physicians were visited by four to eight, more than eight, and less than four hypertensive patients per week respectively. Although 99% of physicians believed in the importance of hypertension as a community health problem, but 12% had requested for appropriate paraclinical tests and 20% could handle hypertensive patients properly. Only 45% of physicians had measured their own blood pressure within the last year of practice. Scientific meetings and educational programs were more important than information provided by drug companies and journals in promotion of knowledge, attitude and practice of general physicians. Conclusion: Since the physician’s knowledge, attitude and practice are important issues in controlling and prevention of hypertension, promotion of their knowledge on hypertension seems necessary in prevention of subsequent complications.