Hypertensive Patients: Self-Care Management Practices in Al-Taif, KSA

This descriptive cross sectional study aimed at determining the level of self- management practices and to identify its associated factors among patients with hypertension at King Abdul Aziz Hospital and Al Hada Military hospital at al Taif City. One hundred and twenty four subjects were included. The research tool was a questionnaire consisted of demographic and health related characteristics data assessment form and hypertension self- management behaviors questionnaire. Frequencies, means, standard deviations and analytic tests (Chi Square and T test) were used for data analysis. The results showed that overall self-management behaviors with hypertension was at moderate level (2.22 0.528). For five sub-dimensions of self-management, the means of self- integration, self- regulation, interaction, self-monitoring and adherence, were also at the moderate level. Adherence to recommended regimen had the highest score (2.45 0.48) followed by Self-monitoring (2.39 0.69). Women had significantly higher scores than men 2.47 0.40 versus 2.08 0.54), (P= 0.000). Middle aged and young adults had significantly higher self-management scores than older adults (P= 0.010). University educated subjects had higher self- management score than less educated (P= 0.025). Subjects who live in rural areas had insignificantly lower self-management behavior scores than those lived in urban areas (P= 0.931). In addition the time since diagnosis was found to be significant (P= 0.038). This study offers proof that among Saudi patients with hypertension, there is a chance for improving their self-management behaviors. The study suggested that, antihypertensive therapy must take into consideration the patients awareness of the health-care providers advice and instructions, factors that may improve self-management behaviors, and the possibility that the patient will adhere to recommendations