Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2022 Aug 24;64(1):e1-e8. doi: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5528.
Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting the majority of patients worldwide, including in South Africa. The control of HTN and prevention of complications are major challenges for patients and healthcare workers. The proper control of the disease requires a multifactorial approach consisting of medical treatment, as well as lifestyle modification, with the assistance of healthcare workers. Addressing patients' beliefs, the practice of lifestyle and acceptance of change are some of the ways of aiding control.
The researchers used a cross-sectional and descriptive survey to establish the knowledge and practices of lifestyle modifications in patients with hypertension. A validated questionnaire was adopted. A total of 250 participants from the Extension 6 Clinic in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, constituted the study population.
Most of the participants had borderline high blood pressure (37.2%) or uncontrolled high blood pressure (46%). The participants' knowledge of HTN and its complications was not adequate. The study established that increased age and long duration of HTN were associated with high numbers of uncontrolled HTN. Most of the participants (88.8%) had difficulty exercising. Also, most of the participants (90.8%) did not have a place or facility for exercises. Fifty per cent of the participants were unable to maintain a balanced healthy diet which included fruits and vegetables.
The study explored the participants' knowledge and practice of lifestyle modification. The participants lacked knowledge regarding the definition of HTN and the meaning of controlled HTN. To assist the patients and improve on the identified pitfalls, each consultation session should include some methods of education, and motivation for healthy behaviours and lifestyle modification. This should be extended to all the people visiting the health facilities for them to adopt a healthier diet, greater intake of vegetables and availability of fitness facilities for the community.
高血压（HTN）是一种最常见的慢性病，影响着全球大多数患者，包括南非。HTN 的控制和并发症的预防是患者和医护人员面临的主要挑战。要控制好这种疾病，需要采取多方面的方法，包括医疗治疗以及生活方式的改变，并在医护人员的协助下进行。了解患者的信念、生活方式的实践和对改变的接受程度，是帮助控制疾病的一些方法。
研究人员采用横断面和描述性调查，确定高血压患者对生活方式改变的知识和实践情况。他们采用了经过验证的问卷。研究对象为来自姆普马兰加省米德尔堡扩展 6 诊所的 250 名参与者。
大多数参与者的血压处于边缘性高血压（37.2%）或不受控制的高血压（46%）。参与者对 HTN 及其并发症的了解不足。研究发现，年龄增长和 HTN 持续时间长与不受控制的 HTN 数量较多有关。大多数参与者（88.8%）锻炼有困难。此外，大多数参与者（90.8%）没有锻炼的地方或设施。50%的参与者无法保持均衡的健康饮食，包括水果和蔬菜。
本研究探讨了参与者对生活方式改变的知识和实践。参与者缺乏关于 HTN 的定义和控制的 HTN 含义的知识。为了帮助患者并改进已确定的不足之处，每次就诊时都应包括一些教育方法，以及对健康行为和生活方式改变的激励。这应扩展到所有到卫生设施就诊的人，以促使他们采用更健康的饮食，增加蔬菜摄入量，并为社区提供健身设施。
