Health Literacy, Self-Care Behaviors, and Biochemical Parameters Among Hypertensive Patients with Renal Complications in the Tai Lue Ethnic Community of Thailand

Abstract

Purpose

Hypertension (HT) can cause renal complications or deterioration of kidney function. HT management is very important because it reduces the severity of illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy (HL), self-care behaviors (SCB), and biochemical parameters in hypertensive patients with renal complications.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 405 hypertensive patients with renal complications among Tai Lue people living in Thailand was conducted using simple random sampling. Face-to-face interviews with questionnaires were used to collect information. Blood pressure (BP) and biochemical parameters, such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were measured.

Results

The participants’ mean age was 68.3 years. A significant correlation was found between HL score, SCB score, systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), FBS, and eGFR (p<0.01). Multiple linear regression revealed that eating salty foods was a risk factor for SBP in males and for SBP and DBP in females. Body mass index (BMI) (B = 0.54), sweet food consumption (B = 13.90), and SCB score (B = −0.29) were significantly associated with FBS level (R² = 17.8%, p<0.05). Employment (B = 2.55), eating bland food (B = 4.07), receiving information from family (B = 3.53), SCB (B= 0.31), and age (B = −0.51) were all significant factors for eGFR (R² = 35.0%, p<0.05).

Conclusion

HL and SCB levels were associated with the health of hypertensive patients with renal complications in the Tai Lue ethnic community. The significance of organizing health education programs is to emphasize increasing HL to lead to self-care decisions and reduce complications in patients, resulting in improved SCB and quality of life in the future.

Keywords:

• health literacy
• self-care behaviors
• biological parameters
• hypertension
• renal complication

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study will be available upon reasonable request from the first author. Email: [email protected]

Ethical Approval and Information Consent

The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the University of Phayao Human Ethics Committee, Thailand (UP-HEC 1.3/004/66 approved 15 December 2022). The trial was registered participants gave a written informed consent prior to data collection.

Acknowledgments

The authors also express their deepest gratitude to all participants for their contribution to the study.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Fundamental Fund Unit of Excellence at the University of Phayao (FF66-UoE026) for the financial support of this research.