Lifestyle modifications as part of optimizing blood pressure control: levels and obstacles among hypertensive patients at Asella Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia, a case series

Abstract

Abstract Background Around the world, hypertension is a serious health issue. Hypertension left unchecked might cause difficulties. In addition to pharmacological therapy, lifestyle changes must still be adhered to as an essential aspect of care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that influence how well hypertension patients at Asella Referral Hospital in South East Ethiopia adhere to lifestyle changes. Methodology Between September 1 and January 30 of 2021, the Asella Referral Hospital hosted this hospital-based cross-sectional study. All individuals with a diagnosis of hypertension who were being followed up on during the trial period were included. Data were gathered through the use of structured questionnaires and entered into Epi-data for analysis. The associations between the variables were investigated using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Results There were 289 hypertensive patients, 48.8% of whom were men and 51.6% of whom were in the 40–59 age range. Over half (56.7%) of the participants went to primary school, and as a result, they can read and write. Nearly 40% of research participants work for themselves in the private sector, and more than 60% said their families support them in managing their hypertension. The majority of research participants (77.9%) reported poor lifestyle change adherence. Low monthly income (AOR = 2.88; 95%CI = 1.08–7.69), comorbidity, inadequate hypertension knowledge (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.06–3.69), and longer duration of hypertension (AOR = 3.35; 95% CI = 1.19–9.47), all of which were associated with poor adherence to lifestyle change. Conclusion Patients with hypertension in this study had poor adherence to lifestyle changes. The primary predictors of poor adherence to lifestyle changes included a lack of knowledge, low family income, a longer time horizon, and the presence of comorbidities. This emphasizes the need of raising public awareness about health issues, improving health insurance coverage, and treating co-morbidities may help people stick to making lifestyle changes that reduce morbidity and mortality while raising survival rates and quality of life.