TÜLAY KARS FERTELLİ
Türk Fen ve Sağlık Dergisi - 2025;6(2):93-103
Purpose: This study was conducted descriptively and correlational to determine the relationship between the knowledge level, blood pressure awareness-insight and Mediterranean diet adherence of individuals with hypertension. Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 296 individuals with hypertension. The Individual Identification Form, Hypertension Knowledge Scale, Blood Pressure Awareness-Insight Scale and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale were used to collect data. Frequency, independent sample t test, F test, and Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data. Results: It was found that the participants’ knowledge scores (6.35 ± 5.13), blood pressure awareness-insight (26.93±4.28) and Mediterranean diet adherence scores (5.31±3.66) were low. In addition, a positive and moderately significant relationship was found between the participants’ hypertension knowledge level and blood pressure awareness-insight (r=0.527), knowledge level and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (r=0.369), and blood pressure awareness and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (r=0.443). Conclusion: Hypertensive individuals have low knowledge, blood pressure awareness-insight, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. As individuals’ knowledge scores increase, their blood pressure awareness-insight and adherence to the Mediterranean diet also increase. The study results showed that developing strategies to improve individuals’ knowledge will increase individuals’ blood pressure awareness-insight and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. In order to increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the successful management of hypertension, education programs that develop knowledge and awareness-insight should be included. Keywords: Hypertension; knowledge; awareness-insight; adherence to the mediterranean diet
