Gender Differences in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Hypertension Among the Educated Adults in Lucknow

In India as well as throughout the world, hypertension is a serious public health issue because of its asymptomatic nature and correlation with serious side effects like kidney and cardiovascular disorders. Although it is thought that education raises health consciousness, prevention is not always the result of knowledge. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and contrast gender-based variations in hypertension-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among educated adults in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Assessing and comparing the degree of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about hypertension among educated male and female adults was the main goal. Examining the relationship between demographic factors and KAP levels, spotting gender-specific trends, and comprehending the sources of health information and perceived obstacles to preventing hypertension were among the secondary goals. Using convenience sampling, a community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 226 educated adults (>18 years old) in Lucknow's urban areas. In-person administration of a pre-tested, structured questionnaire was conducted using JotForm and paper format. Demographic details and KAP responses were compiled using descriptive statistics. The knowledge section's internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, and gender differences were compared using independent t-tests and chi-square tests. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 27. Higher income and postgraduate education were significantly linked to better knowledge (p < 0.05), with knowledge scores being moderate to good overall. In the domains of attitude and practice, gender differences were noted. Female respondents were more likely to place family health above their own well-being and to disagree with traditional caregiving roles. Both genders exhibited suboptimal behaviours, according to practice scores, especially when it came to blood pressure monitoring and involvement in hypertension awareness initiatives. Item-wise analysis was done because the attitude and practice sections showed poor internal reliability. The results emphasise the necessity of gender-sensitive health education initiatives that tackle behavioural and attitudinal obstacles in addition to knowledge gaps. There are still large gaps in awareness and preventive measures, even among adults with formal education. Including routine screenings and targeted messaging in community and workplace settings may improve efforts to control hypertension.