Are JNC 8 guidelines well known and perceived by the prescribers for the treatment of hypertension in Pakistan? A cross-sectional study

Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions of prescribers regarding adherence to JNC 8 for the treatment of hypertension in the 2 major cities of Pakistan: Islamabad (the national capital) and Rawalpindi (its twin city). Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire designed with the help of JNC 8 was distributed to a random sample of 385 prescribers. The data were collected, computed and analyzed using SPSS, version 16 program and descriptive analysis was conducted. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (P <= 0.05) were used to compare the knowledge scores of prescribers about standard guidelines by profession, length of experience, type of health-care facility, gender, sector and city. Results: The median score for overall knowledge of prescribers regarding JNC 8 was 21 (range 14-28). More than half of the respondents (69.1 %) highlighted the absence of STGs on treatment of hypertension in the health care facilities. Prescribers were aware about the correct dosage regimen for captopril (48 %), losartan (60%), atenolol (67.3 %), amlodipine (41.8 %) and hydrochlorothiazide (68.8 %) as according to JNC 8 for initial management of hypertension. Conclusion: The results of the present study concluded that the knowledge of prescribers working in public and private healthcare facilities regarding JNC 8 guidelines for the management of hypertension was not adequate but they had positive perceptions towards adherence to these guidelines linked to their availability in their healthcare facilities.