Study of Self-Care Behaviors among High Blood Pressure Risk Groups in the Service Area of Chalerm Prakiat Wat Suan Khan Health Promotion Hospital, Chang Klang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the self-care behaviors of individuals aged 35 years and older who are at risk of developing hypertension. The research involved a sample of 188 participants in the Service Area of Chalerm Prakiat Wat Suan Khan Health Promotion Hospital, Chang Klang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. We employed a questionnaire based on Orem's self-care theory to collect data. Our analysis focused on aspects such as frequency distribution, mean values, standard deviations, minimum and maximum scores, and percentages of various factors that influence self-care behaviors. These factors included age, occupation, education level, income, social influences, as well as additional risk elements like physical activity, dietary habits, emotional management, smoking, and alcohol consumption. We also compared self-care behaviors across different demographic variables using One-Way ANOVA. Results indicated that individuals with health risk behaviors for developing hypertension often struggle with socio-economic challenges that impacted their self-care practices. Encouraging healthier behaviors, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, proved to significantly lower the risk of hypertension. Additionally, support from family and social networks was found to be vital in promoting effective self-care. In conclusion, enhancing knowledge and fostering positive attitudes toward health management are key factors in reducing hypertension rates among at-risk populations. The insights from this study can inform the development of public health policies aimed at promoting health and preventing disease at the community level.