An Assessment of the Awareness of Lifestyle Changes in Patients withHypertension

Abstract

Aim: In this study it was aimed to evaluate the awareness of lifestyle changes (LC) of patients with hypertension (HT). Method: The study included patients who were diagnosed with HT in the cardiology and family medicine polyclinics between September- December 2013. A questionnaire consisted of 63 items in 4 sections was used to assess sociodemographic properties, cardiovascular risk factor analysis, LC awareness, effects of HT. Results: A total of 301 patients with a mean age of 59.6 ± 10.9 years were included. The rate of blood pressure (BP) under control was 48%. Awareness rates of 6 basic LC were diet at 18%, alcohol at 48%, cigarette smoking at 50%, exercise at 45%, obesity at 65%, salt restriction at 91%. From the total patient group 44% were aware of 4 or more LC, frequency of LC awareness was greater in males (54%) than females (40%) (p=0.02). LC awareness was seen not to affect BP control (p=0.4). The patients were found to have a high level of awareness about target organ damage in HT. While patients were aware of the necessity of a salt-free diet, they did not know how much salt should be restricted each day and while they were aware that they should exercise, they did not know what kind of exercise or for what duration. Patients who applied 4 or more of LC were determined at a rate of 71%. No significant difference was determined in respect of the application of LC between those who were aware or not aware of 4 or more LC. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown the necessity for patients to be as willing to implement LC as to be aware of them and for healthcare personnel to give more detailed explanations when recommending LC to patients.