Factors Influencing the Self-management Behaviors of the Elderly with Hypertension in the Local Community

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the health literacy level of, the hypertension knowledge of, the self-management behaviors of, and the factors influencing self-management behaviors of the hypertensive elderly population residing in the urban and rural areas. Methods: Data were collected from November to December 2017 by the trained research staff. For two months, a total of 160 subjects in urban and rural areas who had been taking antihypertensive medications consented to participate in the project. 157 participants completed the survey. Results: The health literacy score of the hypertensive elderly subjects was at 48.38±8.13, the hypertension knowledge score at 8.90±2.01 points, and the self-management behaviors score at 52.96±8.08. The factor that influenced the self-management behaviors of the hypertensive elderly subjects the most was the health literacy, followed by the residential area, and the hypertension knowledge. Conclusion: The research findings suggest that a health promotion program for the hypertensive elderly population should be designed in consideration of the health literacy, the area of residence and the hypertension knowledge of the elderly.