Self-Care Behaviors and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients at Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

TL;DR

This study examines self-care behaviors among hypertension patients in Ethiopia and finds low adherence influenced by factors like residency and diagnosis duration.

Contribution

The study identifies specific factors affecting self-care adherence in hypertensive patients and suggests targeted interventions for better management.

Findings

Only 29.4% of patients fully adhered to self-care recommendations.

Urban dwellers showed 70% less adherence compared to rural patients.

Medium-duration diagnosis patients were less likely to adhere to self-care behaviors.

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension poses a significant global health challenge, leading to serious health conditions and premature death. Effective blood pressure control is often hindered by patients' nonadherence to self-care behaviors. This study evaluates these behaviors and their influencing factors among hypertensive patients at Dessie Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.

Methods: Conducted from October 20 to November 30, 2019, this mixed-methods study involved 370 hypertensive patients from the hospital's outpatient clinic. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Additionally, 14 in-depth interviews provided qualitative insights, analyzed thematically.

Results: Only 29.4% of patients fully adhered to self-care recommendations. Urban dwellers showed 70% less adherence than rural counterparts. Adherence varied with the duration since diagnosis, with medium-duration patients being less likely to adhere. Interviews revealed personal strategies for managing diet, exercise, medication, and lifestyle, highlighting the struggle with adherence and innovative solutions to challenges.

Conclusion: Adherence to self-care among hypertensive patients is alarmingly low, influenced by diagnosis duration, residency, and BMI. Addressing hindrances like living conditions, work, cultural norms, and peer influence is vital. Healthcare providers must focus on education that promotes behavior change and support. Patient engagement in self-care is essential. Future research should investigate healthcare organizational and provider influences. Implementing these strategies could markedly improve hypertension management and patient outcomes.

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