Prevalence and predictors of hypertension self-care practice in primary health-care facilities in Southern Tunisia

Summary Background Unmanaged hypertension (HTN) is usually accompanied with complications leading to disability in older adults. It has been demonstrated that self-care practice is essential for blood pressure control and reduction of HTN complications. Objective of the study This study aimed to estimate the level of implementation of HTN self-care practice and to identify their associated factors. Study design It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Sfax, Southern Tunisia in April 2020. Materials and methods A total of 6 primary health-care facilities were approached for the study participants according to a single-stage cluster sample, by selecting six grapes randomly. A total of 270 participants were recruited, among whom 250 cases (92.6%) completed the questionnaire. Results A total of 250 hypertensive patients were included in the study, giving a male to female ratio of 0.77. There were 125 participants (50%) aged over 65 years. Overall, 137 cases (54.8%) had a high total self-care practice score. The independent factors of good HTN self-care practice were ≥ 65 years [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.5; P  Conclusion Advanced hypertension stage, pulmonary co-morbidities, education level and lack of self-care education were predictive factors of poor self-care practice. These findings suggested that such factors should be considered when planning HTN self-care education.