Behavior Modification and its Implications among Hypertensive Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Nepal

Background: Hypertension is the major modifiable risk factor for the majority of cardiovascular, neurological, renal, and other health problems. Despite the availability of various medications to control high blood pressure, the desired result is not yet achieved. Previous studies have considered behavior modification as an effective modality to prevent and control hypertension along with medication. Regardless of the increasing trend of hypertension and associated risk behaviors in Nepal, there are limited studies in this area. Objective: This study aimed to assess behavior modification and its implications among hypertensive patients. Methods: A mixed-method, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 hypertensive patients who were on follow up visits at the outpatient department of Sadih Gangala National Heart Center, Kathmandu, Nepal. Patients who were diagnosed as hypertensive before 6 months were selected by simple random sampling technique and interviewed. Data was collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire, and an interview guide from March to May 2019 and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.86 11.07 years and nearly half (47.8 %) of them were in the age group of 60 and above. More than half, (58 %) were male, 77.8 % were overweight, about half of them had a significant family history of hypertension with first degree relatives. There was a significant difference in behavior modification with selected socio-demographic and hypertension-related variables. Similarly, control of high blood pressure and related complications had a significant difference with behavior modifications. Conclusion: Although, there was a significant difference in behavior modification and control of high blood pressure and complications, the proportion of behavior modification as recommended was still low. Therefore, mass awareness of the importance of behavior modification for the control of high blood pressure and hypertension-related complications is seen as an essential component in hypertension management.