ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore factors influencing patients with hypertension to participating in a hypertension self-management education (HSME) programme and challenges of sustaining the learnt self-care practices. STUDY DESIGN: This was a qualitative study with focus group discussions. METHODS: Focus group discussions using a semistructured moderator guide were conducted among participants who had attended the HSME programme. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Three focus groups involving 19 participants were conducted. Four major themes emerged from the data collected. Most participants enjoyed the group-based HSME sessions because sharing experiences with those having similar health problems can reduce their sense of isolation. However, the participants highlighted the difficulty in sustaining self-care practices in the presence of friends and family influences. CONCLUSION: A number of patient-, family- and community-level motivators and barriers to patients' hypertension self-management have been identified. Efforts to tailor behavioural interventions to sustain daily self-care activities during social and cultural events are imperative.
