Factors Related to Self – Management Behaviors on Blood Pressure Control of Persons with Hypertension *

Abstract

This survey research aimed to study factors related to self management behaviors to control
blood pressure of persons with hypertension, Ramathibodi hospital. Number of 220 samples was
systematically selected from primary hypertensive patients who were diagnosed by physician and
attended the outpatient family health unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi hospital for treatment
during January to March 2012. Data were collected using structured interview schedule after content
validity and reliability was assessed.
Results of the study indicated that individual and social factors namely age and occupation
were significantly related to diet (p<0.001); educational level, occupation, and body mass index were
significantly related to exercise (p<0.001); and income was significantly related to medical
compliance regarding to taking prescribed medicine, and follow medical appointment (p=0.046). In
relation to internal and support factors it was found that knowledge about hypertension was
significantly related only to medical compliance; perceived severity of the complications from
hypertension was significantly related only to exercise; and perceived self-efficacy to perform selfcare behaviors was significantly related to self-care behaviors regarding diet, exercise, and medical
compliance (p<0.001, p=0.029 and p<0.001). Receiving support from family members, peer
patients, and from clinic staffs were significantly related to diet and medical compliance (p=0.001).
Results of the study suggested that self-efficacy to perform self-care practices of the
hypertensive patients should be enhanced by the hospital staffs. It should be planned to mobilize
peer patients and family members to support and reinforce hypertensive patients about diet and
exercise.