ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the self-medication practices and improper eating habits of Egyptian female hypertensive adults during their reproductive period. The study was conducted on 300 hypertensive women aged 20-40 years attending the Follow-up Outpatient Clinic for Hypertension as well as the Antenatal Clinic in Cairo, Monoufia and Assiut University Hospitals [100 participants from each hospital]. Half of them were pregnant regularly receiving their antenatal care [150 participants, 50 from each site], while the other half [150 participants, 50 from each site] were not pregnant attending their follow up for hypertension control. Hypertension was uncontrolled in 29% of women. Self-medication was high [18.3%] while 24% consumed food items known to impair blood pressure control. However, during pregnancy, self-medication was less practiced [9.3%] while improper eating habits were more practiced [28.7%]. Self-medication was highest in Cairo [26%], followed by Monoufia [16%] and lastly Assiut [13%]. Improper eating habits did not differ significantly according to governorate. Blood pressure was uncontrolled in 39% of women in Cairo, 22% in Monoufia and 26% in Assiut. Physicians were stated as the source of information for hypertensives in hypertension for 9% of patients only compared with 2.7% for nurses. The present study concluded that failure of health care providers to perform their health education role and the obstacles to receive an affordable health service are clear predisposing factors for losing control over blood pressure among hypertensive women whether pregnant or not. Future studies should be directed to clinician-client communication with regard to over-the-counter [OTC] recommendations made for clients on antihypertensive therapy. Nurses providing care at blood pressure clinics have an ideal opportunity to clarify misunderstandings about OTC medications, nutrition supplements held by their clients with hypertension