Knowledge of emerging hypertension challenges among tribal populations in India: An analytical study among medical and allied health professionals.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is increasingly recognized among India's tribal populations, who are experiencing rapid epidemiological and lifestyle transitions. Despite rising prevalence, earlier age of onset, and high levels of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in tribal communities, national non-communicable disease strategies often inadequately account for their sociocultural, geographic, and health-system contexts. Health professionals play a central role in detection, counselling, and continuity of care; however, evidence regarding their knowledge of emerging hypertension trends and challenges in tribal populations remains limited. This study assessed knowledge levels among medical and allied health professionals in India, and examined factors associated with good knowledge. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among medical and allied health professionals from academic, clinical, research, and programme settings across multiple Indian states. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling and completed a structured, pre-tested, self-administered electronic questionnaire assessing knowledge related to epidemiological trends, sociocultural determinants, health-system barriers, and governance challenges of hypertension in tribal populations. Knowledge scores were computed and categorized as good or inadequate. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictors of good knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 247 participants were included. Overall, 55.9% demonstrated good knowledge. High awareness was observed regarding lifestyle transitions, dietary salt intake, alcohol use, seasonal migration, access barriers, and the potential role of telemedicine. However, fewer than half correctly identified early-onset hypertension in tribal populations, and knowledge regarding exclusion of traditional governance structures from non-communicable disease programme was limited. Participants aged 24-30 years had significantly higher odds of good knowledge compared with those aged 18-24 years. DISCUSSION: While awareness of structural and behavioral determinants was relatively high, critical gaps persist in recognizing early-onset disease and governance-related challenges. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and training is essential to strengthen hypertension prevention and control strategies in tribal settings. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge regarding hypertension in tribal populations was good, but important gaps remained in early detection and governance-related issues. Strengthening culturally sensitive training for healthcare professionals is essential for improving tribal hypertension care in India.