Self-Care Behaviours Among Hypertension Patients Residing In A Rural Field Practice Area Of Belagavi- A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major public health problem worldwide. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to severe cardiovascular complications. Regular practice of self-care behaviours is important for control of hypertension. Hence this study was performed to find out the practice of self-care behaviours among hypertension patients living in a rural field practice area.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between July- August 2022 among 200 hypertensive patients living in a rural field practice area. The patients’ socio-demographic details were collected and their practice of self-care behaviours was assessed by a validated questionnaire: Hypertension-Self-care Profile (HBP SCP). Data was entered into Excel and analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Chi-square and correlation tests were performed.

Results: Females were 102 (51%). The mean age ± SD of the participants was 51.91 ± 11.778 years. Majority were Hindu (157, 78.5%), married (170, 85%), self-employed (71, 35.5%), and had no formal education (71, 35.5%). The mean score ± SD for self-care behaviours was 45.27 ± 5.470, with majority of the participants scoring below the mean (113, 56.5%). Education was found to be significantly associated with the mean score (p-value 0.003, Chi-square value 18.132). A significant correlation was identified between Body Mass Index level and mean score (-0.219, p-value 0.001).

Conclusion: Among the study participants the level of self-care behaviours for hypertension was found to be low. Targeted interventions like health education and enhanced follow-up and support are needed to improve the self-care behaviours of the patients.