Family involvement in low-salt diet for hypertensive older adults

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of family involvement in the educational sessions and follow-up meetings on compliance with the low-salt diet for hypertensive older adults. Design/methodology/approach Randomized controlled trial was used in this study with a total of 30 hypertensive older adults divided into two groups (n = 15). The intervention group involved one family member during the educational sessions and follow-up meetings. Conversely, no family member was involved in the control group. Findings The intervention group showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in compliance level on the attitude (knowledge) and subjective norm (psychomotor and family support) subscales. The perceived obstacle subscale and the salt concentration in food and urine excretion significantly decreased both after educational sessions and follow-up meetings (p < 0.05). However, the control group did not. Research limitations/implications A relatively small number of samples would have affected the results, but in this study, randomization was applied in sample collection. Practical implications By encouraging the involvement of family members in the educational sessions and follow-up meetings, it could enhance compliance of low-salt diet among hypertensive older adults. Originality/value The findings and outputs provide a combination of family involvement and the Geragogy learning model through educational sessions and follow-up meetings that could enhance a low-salt diet adherence among older adults with hypertension in the community.