Factors related to self-management behavior among hypertensive patients in Hue city, Vietnam

Abstract

Introduction/aim: Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. This study aimed to investigate the self-management behavior and related factors among hypertensive patients at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and find out some factors related to the self-management behavior of hypertensive patients at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Methods: In this research, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study involving a sample of 223 patients who had been diagnosed with hypertension for at least one year. These patients were receiving outpatient treatment at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital between June 2021 and May 2022. The patients were surveyed using a demographic data questionnaire, the hypertension fact knowledge questionnaire, and the hypertension self-management behavior questionnaire which was referenced from a previous study. Results: The study found that 96.4% of the patients had high level self-management behaviors. Additionally, the study identified a significant relationship between gender, occupation, economic status, living conditions, knowledge about hypertension, and self-management behaviors of hypertensive patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study findings revealed that the levels of self-management for hypertension were consistently high across all components. Moreover, sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, occupation, economic status, living conditions were found to be associated with self-management. Additionally, knowledge emerged as a significant factor positively influencing the self-management behavior of hypertensive patients. These results highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic factors and knowledge enhancement in promoting effective self-management among individuals with hypertension.