Ability to self-manage hypertension of patients in Cu Nam commune, Quang Binh province and related factors

Abstract

Objectives: Assessing the ability to self-manage hypertension of patients in Cu Nam commune, Quang Binh province and to identify some factors related to the ability to self-manage hypertension. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 267 hypertensive patients ≥ 18 years old in Cu Nam commune who were being managed and monitored for blood pressure at the Cu Nam commune health station, Quang Binh province, was diagnosed with hypertension and treated with antihypertensive drugs for at least 1 month according to the Vietnamese hypertension classification. The hypertension self-management behavior questionnaire was used to assess the ability to self-manage hypertension. Results:The study results showed that 73.4% of patients had an average level of self-management ability. The self-management ability regarding medication adherence had the highest mean score of 3.17 ± 0.73. The self-regulation ability had the lowest mean score of 2.31 ± 0.55. Factors related to the patient’s ability to self-manage blood pressure were education level, level of hypertension, treatment duration, smoking status, and alcohol use.Conclusion:Most patients are able to self-manage their hypertension at an average level. Cu Nam Health Station should screen subjects according to treatment time, education level, hypertension level, and alcohol use status to focus on at-risk subjects. Organize monthly sharing sessions and guide patients on the ability to self-manage their blood pressure.Health workers of the station need to be trained in the periodic hypertension self-management program to educate patients on health.