• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.1287-1292
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare knowledge on hypertension and blood parameters through blood pressure control of hypertensive patients commuting to a public health center. Hypertensive subjects were classified according to their blood pressures into a well-controlled group (SBP<140 mmHg and DBP<90 mmHg, n=44) and an uncontrolled group ($SBP\geq140mmHg\;or\;DBP\geq90mmHg$, n=41). All subjects were interviewed for clinical characteristics, effort for health maintenance and knowledge on hypertension and nutrition. Biochemical measurement of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were obtained from subjects. The knowledge about hypertension and effort for health maintenance were not significantly different between the groups. However, the nutrition knowledge score of the well-controlled group was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the uncontrolled group. On the test of nutrition knowledge, 97.7% of the well-controlled group answered correctly to the item, 'Medication is an easy way to control blood pressure'. This result was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the uncontrolled group of whom 82.9% answered correctly. Participants in both groups had only a little understanding about the importance of a balanced diet. Blood parameters were in the normal range and there was not a significant difference between the groups. However total cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose levels of the uncontrolled group were higher than those of the well-controlled group. Therefore, education programs about the continuous control of hypertension through careful monitoring, medication, and exercise are required. The uncontrolled group was especially in need of strengthening education. Also more effective nutrition education programs about low salt, high fiber, low cholesterol, and balanced diets are required for hypertensive patients commuting to public health center.