Lifestyle and self-management determinants of hypertension control in a sample of Australian adults.

BACKGROUND

Poor hypertension control can increase the risk of cardiovascular, renal and kidney diseases, and increase the social and economic burden of the disease.

METHODS

This study aimed to explore the lifestyle and self-management skills (medication adherence, self-monitoring, self-efficacy) determinants of hypertension control in a sample of hypertensive Australians. In a cross-sectional design, a total of 233 hypertensive adults completed a survey. Hypertension control was categorised as good control if hypertensive individuals managed to reduce their blood pressure (BP) < 140/90 mmHg, otherwise it was categorised as poor control. Data were analysed using bivariate analysis and hierarchical logistic regression.

RESULTS

55% of the participants had poor BP control. A significantly higher frequency of poor BP self-monitoring was observed in individuals with poor control compared to their counterparts. Poor self-monitoring and a sedentary lifestyle were associated with higher odds of poor control (OR: 5.33, 95% CI: 1.78 - 15.93; p < 0.01, and OR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.00 - 22.25; p < 0.05, respectively). No significant association was observed between other variables and hypertension control.

CONCLUSION

Successful BP control for hypertensive individuals may require interventions and strategies that assist with improving BP self-monitoring skills and increasing physical activity.