Association between Cognitive Representation and Self- Care Behaviors among Patients with Hypertension

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between cognitive representation and self-care behaviors among patients with Hypertension.

Method: A descriptive correlational study conducted in Hilla city during the period from October 1st 2022 to March 15th 2023. A non-probability (convenience) sample consist of (370) patients who diagnosed with hypertension and visits primary health care centers in Hilla City. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by experts and its reliability was verified through a pilot study. The total number of items included in the questionnaire was 26 items to assess cognitive representations and 20 items to assess self-care behaviors. Data were collected through the interview and analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

Results: The results indicated that the average age of the respondents is (52.39) years, (51.9%) were female, (50%) were middle monthly income, (85.4%) were married, (20.5%) were college and above graduated, (40.3%) were unemployment, (57.3%) were positive family history and (51.6%) were duration of disease >5 years. Overall cognitive representation, (55.7%) were low level and self-care, (57%) low level among patient’s hypertension are differs according to age, gender, Marital status, monthly income, occupation, education level, occupation and duration of hypertension. The simple (positive) correlation between cognitive representation and self-care among patients with hypertension.

Conclusions: The study showed that the rate of cognitive representations and Self-care behaviors of the respondents was low level. A statistically significant positive correlation between cognitive representation and self-care behaviors. The study adds attention regarding health education to all segments of society towards self-care among patients with hypertension. Further study is needed to explore the strategies that maintain adherence self-care among patients in order to improve their quality of life.