Exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward older adults with hypertension in primary care

Figures & data

Table 1 Demographic characteristics of study participants

Variables	N (n= 144)	%
Demographic characteristics
Age 61–70 years (66.1±9.0): age range 55–80 years	58	40.3
Female	107	74.3
Married	96	66.7
Elementary education	114	79.2
Housewives/retirees	106	67.6
Chronic illnesses and health risk factors
Non-smokers	108	75.0
Non-alcoholics	109	75.7
Family history of hypertension: unknown	82	56.9
Duration of hypertension ≥5 years (9.0±3.4)	120	83.3
Duration of taking medication ≥5 years (9.0±3.4)	118	81.9
Hypertension with other problems	75	52.1
Clinical parameters
Blood pressure: taking ≥1 antihypertensive drug(s)
SBP 120–139 mmHg (136.4±14.4)	62	43.1
DBP <80 mmHg (79.2±10.1)	77	53.5
Body mass index >25 kg/m^2 (24.9±3.6)	63	43.8
Waist circumferences (men: n=37, females: n=107)
>90 cm for males (88.6±7.1)	17	13.9
>80 cm for females (85.7±6.8)	77	53.9

Abbreviations: SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure.

Table 2 Findings regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice toward hypertension

Variables	N (n= 144)	%
Score of knowledge about hypertension: high	90	62.5
Score of attitude toward hypertension: neutral	112	77.8
Score of overall practice: moderate	101	70.1
Four subgroups of practices related to hypertension
Healthy diets: 3–4 days/week	72	50.0
Unhealthy diets: 1–2 days/week	124	86.1
Physical activity and exercise: 1–2 times/week	131	91.0
Stress-relieving activities: 1–2 times/week	126	87.5