The Experiences of Self-Care Behaviors in Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Background: Essential hypertension remains a significant global health challenge. Self-care is among the most effective strategies for managing this condition. Understanding patients' perspectives and experiences regarding self-care behaviors can significantly aid nurses in enhancing these behaviors. Objectives: This study aims to explore self-care behaviors in patients with essential hypertension. Methods: This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis to examine 16 patients and three healthcare providers associated with urban healthcare centers affiliated with Shahroud University of Medical Sciences in Semnan province, Iran, during 2023 - 2024. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via individual, semi-structured, in-depth interviews, which were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analyzed using the method proposed by Elo and Kyngäs (2008). Results: The study identified "Yo-Yo-like" self-care behaviors as the main concept, with four primary categories and 12 subcategories extracted. The main categories included fluctuating patterns in medication adherence, dietary adherence, exercise, and smoking. Conclusions: The self-care behaviors of patients with essential hypertension exhibit coordinated fluctuations, correlating with the disease's severity. As the disease subsides, adherence decreases, and vice versa. This fluctuating pattern has created a vicious cycle in disease control. Interventions, particularly by nurses, are essential to break this cycle and effectively manage hypertension.