Factors Related to Blood Pressure Control Behaviors among Hypertensive Patients in Ranod Hospital, Songkhla Province

Abstract

Hypertension is a major cause of premature death among Thai population and its
problem has been increasing. The objective of this cross-sectional survey research was to study
factors related to blood pressure control behaviors of hypertensive patients. The study samples
were 348, age between 30-70 years and were diagnosed as unknown cause of hypertension for at
least one year. They were randomly selected from Out Patient Department (OPD) card of
hypertensive patients who received medical services at Ranod hospital, Songkhla province. Data
was collected by a structured interview questionnaire. The data was analyzed using frequency,
percent, mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square test. Results of the study revealed as follows: .
Factors that significantly associated with food consumption behaviors to control blood pressure
were age, perceived susceptibility and severity about complications from hypertension, and social
support from family (p<0.05). While factors significantly related to exercise behaviors to control
blood pressure were gender, age, education level, duration of being hypertension, perceived
susceptibility, severity, self-efficacy, and social support from family (p<0.05). Therefore, hospitals
should design learning activities for hypertensive patients that the enhancing of perceived
susceptibility and severity regarding complications from hypertension, and perceived self-efficacy in
controlling of blood pressure is emphasized. Skill practices in selection of diet and exercise that
individually suitable, using of positive model, verbal and emotional persuasion, and continuation of
patient visit at home should be considered.