Comparison of Health-related Characteristics and Self-care Behavior between a Hypertension Controlled Group and a Non-Controlled Group of Hypertension Patients in a Customized Home Visiting Health Service

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare health-related characteristics and self-care behavior between a controlled group and a non-controlled group of hypertension patients in a customized home visiting health service. METHODS: This study was conducted as cross-sectional research. The subjects were 1,317 hypertension-controlled patients and 555 non-controlled ones. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi2-test, and t-test using the SPSS WIN 15.0 program. RESULTS: Socio-demographic characteristics and self-care behavior were not significantly correlated between the groups. According to health-related characteristics, the health status was significantly higher in the hypertension-controlled group than in the non-controlled group. The cholesterol level was significantly lower in the hypertension-controlled group than in the non-controlled group. CONCLUSION: Attention should be paid to patients who are not in good health status in order to control their hypertension. Also, it is necessary to educate the patients in order for them to manage their hypertension and cholesterol.