Factors Related to Dietary Habits of Patients with High Blood Pressure

Abstract

This study aimed to examine food consumption behaviors and factors associated with food consumption behaviors among patients with hypertension in Moo 3, Khlong Ban Pho Subdistrict, Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province. The population comprised 328 patients with uncontrolled hypertension, from which a sample of 180 participants was selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.

The findings revealed that educational level and monthly family income were significantly associated with food consumption behaviors. Most participants had a moderate level of knowledge regarding food consumption, which was significantly associated with appropriate food consumption behaviors. Among personal factors, educational level and monthly family income were negatively associated with food consumption behaviors at a statistically significant level (P < 0.00), whereas sex, age, occupation, and duration of hypertension were not significantly associated with food consumption behaviors
(P-value > 0.05). Predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors were positively associated with food consumption behaviors at a statistically significant level (P-value < 0.00). Attitudes toward food consumption demonstrated the strongest association, followed by family members’ food consumption behaviors and food outlets that facilitated appropriate food consumption. Knowledge regarding food consumption and reinforcing factors showed low-to-moderate levels of association with food consumption behaviors (P-value < 0.00).