Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the early detection rate of hypertension (HTN) and identified barriers and motivators to improve diagnosis in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1,185 adults (aged ≥18 years) across 10 primary healthcare centers was conducted, with data collected through face-to-face interviews using WHO-defined criteria for HTN. Late detection was defined as diagnosis after symptom onset or complications.
Results: The results showed that 15.36% of participants had HTN, with 60.7% detected early. A striking 76.4% of hypertensive patients reported a family history of the condition. Key barriers to early detection included fear of test results and the misconception that HTN primarily affects older adults. While healthcare providers (e.g., Ministry of Health doctors) were the main sources of HTN information, social media also played a significant role. Notably, early detection was strongly linked to health system-derived information.
Conclusion: The findings highlighted the need for improved public health education, particularly through healthcare providers, to address knowledge gaps and encourage timely screening. Strengthening health communication strategies, including leveraging social media, could further enhance early detection rates and reduce HTN -related burdens in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Hypertension, early detection, Saudi Arabia, barriers, public health