Assessment of Lifestyle Self-Efficacy and Knowledge of Myocardial Infarction Symptoms Among Hypertensive Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide and greatly contributes to myocardial infarction (MI), which is among the most severe and life-threatening forms of coronary artery disease. Despite progress in treatments, effective hypertension management depends on continuous lifestyle modifications and vigilant monitoring of acute heart symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate how confident patients are in implementing lifestyle changes and their knowledge of MI symptoms among those with hypertension in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to December 2025 involving adult hypertensive patients recruited from community and outpatient settings across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using convenience sampling and a pretested questionnaire that included the Self-Efficacy subscale from the Hypertension Self-Care Profile, along with a 12-item scale measuring knowledge of MI symptoms. The associations among variables were analyzed using nonparametric tests and multivariable linear regression, with p-values under 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 523 individuals with hypertension participated in the study. Their average lifestyle self-efficacy score was 50.33 ± 12.24, indicating moderate confidence in implementing lifestyle changes. The average score for knowledge about MI symptoms was 3.47 ± 3.84 out of 12, showing limited awareness. Being female and having comorbidities were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, older age was significantly related to higher confidence levels (p < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that both the confidence and knowledge models had limited explanatory power. Conclusions: The findings show that hypertensive patients have moderate confidence in managing their condition but lack sufficient awareness of MI symptoms. This highlights the need for targeted educational programs that promote long-term lifestyle adjustments and improve recognition of urgent cardiac symptoms to reduce cardiovascular illness and death.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Healthcare, 2026 · DOI ↗