N Ketata1, H Ben Ayed2, M Ben Hmida2, Z Abdelhedi3, M Ben Jemaa2, M Trigui4, H Maamri4, S Yaich4, M Kassis4, H Feki2, J Damak4. 1. Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia. Electronic address: ketatanouha@gmail.com. 2. Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia. 3. High Institute of Nursing, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia. 4. Community Health and Epidemiology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unmanaged hypertension (HTN) is usually accompanied with complications leading to disability in older adults. It has been demonstrated that self-care practice is essential for blood pressure control and reduction of HTN complications. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to estimate the level of implementation of HTN self-care practice and to identify their associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Sfax, Southern Tunisia in April 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 primary health-care facilities were approached for the study participants according to a single-stage cluster sample, by selecting six grapes randomly. A total of 270 participants were recruited, among whom 250 cases (92.6%) completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 250 hypertensive patients were included in the study, giving a male to female ratio of 0.77. There were 125 participants (50%) aged over 65years. Overall, 137 cases (54.8%) had a high total self-care practice score. The independent factors of good HTN self-care practice were≥65years [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=9.5; P<0.001], university educational level of the participants (AOR=21.2; P<0.001), as well as receiving a health education, by health-care providers (AOR=2.5; P=0.012) and family members (AOR=4.36; P=0.004). Advanced hypertension stage (II and III) (AOR=0.45; P=0.032) and chronic pulmonary diseases, including asthma (AOR=0.42; P=0.027) and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (AOR=0.27; P=0.016) were independently associated with poor HTN self-care practice. CONCLUSION: Advanced hypertension stage, pulmonary co-morbidities, education level and lack of self-care education were predictive factors of poor self-care practice. These findings suggested that such factors should be considered when planning HTN self-care education.
BACKGROUND: Unmanaged hypertension (HTN) is usually accompanied with complications leading to disability in older adults. It has been demonstrated that self-care practice is essential for blood pressure control and reduction of HTN complications. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to estimate the level of implementation of HTN self-care practice and to identify their associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Sfax, Southern Tunisia in April 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 primary health-care facilities were approached for the study participants according to a single-stage cluster sample, by selecting six grapes randomly. A total of 270 participants were recruited, among whom 250 cases (92.6%) completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 250 hypertensivepatients were included in the study, giving a male to female ratio of 0.77. There were 125 participants (50%) aged over 65years. Overall, 137 cases (54.8%) had a high total self-care practice score. The independent factors of good HTN self-care practice were≥65years [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=9.5; P<0.001], university educational level of the participants (AOR=21.2; P<0.001), as well as receiving a health education, by health-care providers (AOR=2.5; P=0.012) and family members (AOR=4.36; P=0.004). Advanced hypertension stage (II and III) (AOR=0.45; P=0.032) and chronic pulmonary diseases, including asthma (AOR=0.42; P=0.027) and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (AOR=0.27; P=0.016) were independently associated with poor HTN self-care practice. CONCLUSION: Advanced hypertension stage, pulmonary co-morbidities, education level and lack of self-care education were predictive factors of poor self-care practice. These findings suggested that such factors should be considered when planning HTN self-care education.