Original Research Article
Year: 2016 | Month: October | Volume: 6 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 205-215
The Relationship between Reported Self-Care Practices and Blood Pressure Levels of Hypertensive Clients at a Provincial Hospital in Zimbabwe
Katsinde CS1, Katsinde T J2
1Lecturer, Dept of Health Sciences, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag. 1020, Bindura,Zimbabwe.
2 Lecture, Dept of Social Sciences, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag. 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
Corresponding Author: Katsinde CS
ABSTRACT
High blood pressure, the leading risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke and kidney disease accounts for 9.4 million deaths annually worldwide. In 2009, Zimbabwe had an estimated 39% prevalence for high BP. Control of high blood pressure is dependent on clients’ adherence to self- care practices.
Objective: To identify reported self-care practices and determine the relationship between reported self-care practices and blood pressure levels of hypertensive clients at Bindura Provincial Hospital.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational study design was used. A sample of 80 hypertensive men and women attending review at BPH was systematically selected. Data was collected using a questionnaire after obtaining a verbal and written consent. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 15) was used to analyze data. Pearson's correlational and simple regression analyses were used to determine the effect and strength of the relationship of reported self-care practices and BP levels.
Results: Total possible score for hypertension reported self-care practices was 38 (100%); scores ranged from 9 to 30 with a mean score 19.6 and a standard deviation of 6.0. Seventy-eight (97.6%) of clients had mean diastolic blood pressure of 88 mmHg and below. Pearson's correlational analysis showed a negatively significant relationship (r = -.27 p< 0.01) between reported self-care practices and diastolic blood pressure. Linear regression analysis showed significant negative effect (b = -3.140917 p<.02) of reported self-care practices.
Conclusion: Control of high blood pressure through adherence to recommended self- care practices is important and improves the quality of life. Nursing practice therefore should adopt protocols that promote self-care practices. Identification of individual learning needs is essential, in order to address clients unique needs.
Key words: High blood pressure, self-care practices, relationship.