Comparison of the Physicians’ and Senior Medical Students’ Knowledge in Some Issues of Treatment of Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Arterial hypertension is a pathology that affects the working-age population around the world. According to modern data, 35% to 40% of people suffer from hypertension. The danger of this disease lies in the rapid development of life-threatening complications (cerebrovascular, renal complications). Timely high-quality correction of hypertension makes it possible to prevent these conditions.

Methods: In this study, 361 questionnaires for doctors from 4 regions of Russia (Belgorod, Krasnodar Territory, Voronezh, Moscow) and 234 questionnaires for senior medical students in two Russian cities (Belgorod, Voronezh) were used and analyzed.

Results: Thirty four percent of physicians and forty five percent of students correctly defined the concept of resistant hypertension. The optimal class of drugs for initial therapy was chosen by 27.5% of doctors and 16.1% of students. The optimal class of drugs for the initial therapy of hypertension was chosen by 27.5% of doctors and 16.1% of students. Only 32.6% of doctors and 20.0% of students chose the correct treatment intervention, in which the effectiveness of lowering blood pressure increases. Only 36.4% of doctors and 20.0% of students correctly chose the indication for the appointment of aspirin in patients with hypertension.

Conclusions: The results of the study showed that there was not enough knowledge level among doctors and senior medical students in the treatment of arterial hypertension and the need for additional educational activities for current and future health professionals are critical.