Hypertension knowledge in a Hispanic community.

Hypertension knowledge of 330 Hispanic subjects was assessed in a community study using a Hypertension Knowledge Interview Schedule (HKIS). Six areas of hypertension knowledge, including definition, etiology, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment, prognosis, and sequelae were assessed. Of the subjects, 64 percent had adequate knowledge and 34 percent inadequate knowledge of hypertension. Only 28 percent knew the correct definition; only 3 percent knew that the etiology was unknown. The Hispanic subjects were knowledgeable about risk factors and treatment. More than half the Hispanics were aware of the cardiovascular sequelae of hypertension.