IMPACT OF PATIENT COUNSELLING ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

摘要

Objective: Hypertension is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and proper assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) factors are helpful in its management. Our aim was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among hypertensive patients and the impact of patient counselling on the same. Methods: A prospective study was conducted among hypertensive patients from November 2015 to April 2016. Suitably designed and validated KAP questionnaire was used to evaluate the baseline KAP score. Patient information leaflets were provided after counselling. After 3 mo patients were followed up and their KAP scores were reassessed and data were analysed. Results: Before the intervention, the mean score±SD of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 11.76(SD±4.58); 5.14(SD±2.13); 9.26(SD±1.66) which increased to 14.29(SD±2.95); 5.74(SD±1.39); 10.32(SD±1.33) respectively after the intervention. Conclusion: Our study suggests that pharmacist mediated counselling plays a vital role in improving patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practice towards the disease management.