A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practices Regarding Life Style Modification among Hypertensive Patients in the Selected Hospitals of Karkala and Mangalore Taluk

Hypertension is a condition where individual have high blood pressure. It is a major risk factor for cardiac, cerebral and renal diseases. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death and disability among adults. Methodology: The research design selected for this study was descriptive survey design. 50 hypertensive patients were selected using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Study was conducted in selected hospitals in Karkala and Mangalore Taluk. The instrument used for the study was structured interview schedule and life style practice rating scale. Results: The result showed that among hypertensive patiens 54% had average knowledge, 20% had poor knowledge, 18% had good knowledge and 8% had very good knowledge regarding life style modification of hypertension and 78% had good life style practice and 22% and very good life style practice and also revealed that there was significant correlation between knowledge and life style practice. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients had average knowledge and life style practice was relatively good. Keywords: hypertension, knowledge, practice, life style modificatio