Table 1 Score criteria for questions on hypertension knowledge

Single choice questions

1. Diagnostic criteria of hypertension

① 140/90 mmHg; ② 145/95 mmHg; ③ Don’t know/not sure

Correct answer 1; Wrong answer 0; Don't know/not sure 0

2. Hypertension grading

① One; ② Two; ③ Three; ④ Don’t know/not sure

3. Benefits of regular physical activity

① Prevent hypertension; ② Can’ t prevent hypertension; ③ Don’t know/not sure

4. Does hypertension need long duration (lifetime) of treatment?

① Yes; ② No; ③ Don’t know/not sure

5. The upper limit of salt intake?

① No more than 2 grams a day; ② No more than 4 grams a day; ③ No more than 6 grams a day; ④ Don’t know/not sure

6. The minimal rest time before blood pressure measurement?

① 2–3 minutes; ② 5–15 minutes; ③ Don’t know/not sure

Multiple choice questions

7. Common symptoms of hypertension

① Dizziness; ② Headache; ③ Palpitation; ④ numbness and tingling in limbs, insomnia or other symptoms; ⑤ All the above answers were correct; ⑥ Don’t know/not sure

Correct answer 1; Don’t know/not sure=0; Other answers 0.5

8. Major risk factors of hypertension

① Overweight or obesity; ② Heredity; ③ Smoking, drinking; ④ Excessive salt intake; ⑤ All the above answers were correct; ⑥ Don’t know/not sure

9. Cardiovascular complications of hypertension if blood pressure is not controlled

① Cerebral infarction; ② Cerebral hemorrhage; ③ Coronary heart disease; ④ Renal failure; ⑤ All the above answers were correct; ⑥ Don’t know/not sure

10. Hypertension treatment

① Antihypertensive drugs; ② Diet, lifestyle modifications; ③ All the above answers were correct; ④ Don’t know/not sure