Factors influencing patients' hypertension self-management and sustainable self-care practices: a qualitative study

• Published in: Public Health
• Main Author: M. Yatim H.; Wong Y.Y.; Neoh C.F.; Lim S.H.; Hassali M.A.; Hong Y.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V. 2019
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85067174008&doi=10.1016%2fj.puhe.2019.04.020&partnerID=40&md5=173baeaa014c500d9488132cc5cb6c67

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore factors influencing patients with hypertension to participating in a hypertension self-management education (HSME) programme and challenges of sustaining the learnt self-care practices. Study design: This was a qualitative study with focus group discussions. Methods: Focus group discussions using a semistructured moderator guide were conducted among participants who had attended the HSME programme. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Three focus groups involving 19 participants were conducted. Four major themes emerged from the data collected. Most participants enjoyed the group-based HSME sessions because sharing experiences with those having similar health problems can reduce their sense of isolation. However, the participants highlighted the difficulty in sustaining self-care practices in the presence of friends and family influences. Conclusion: A number of patient-, family- and community-level motivators and barriers to patients' hypertension self-management have been identified. Efforts to tailor behavioural interventions to sustain daily self-care activities during social and cultural events are imperative. © 2019 The Royal Society for Public Health