Understanding perspectives on health-promoting behaviours among older adults with hypertension

Abstract

Purpose: Health-promoting behaviours (HPBs) are considered the key to determining health among older adults with hypertension. Increasing our understanding of older adults’ views on HPBs could facilitate the development of interventions aimed at improving their quality of life. This study aims to describe the perceptions of older adults with high blood pressure concerning their HPBs and associated factors. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 40 individuals in Thailand were used to collect the data, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The results were categorized into five main themes related to personal, social, and environmental factors. Older adults explained that their experiences with HPBs involve taking responsibility for controlling blood pressure by following a doctor’s prescription, modifying their lifestyles to be healthier, sustaining social relationships, and experiencing spiritual growth through religious practices for inner peace. Older adults also identified environmental factors that influenced their engagement in HPBs depending on their residential areas. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the importance of practices in which professionals support and encourage older adults to perform HPBs to maintain health and improve their well-being.