Factors influencing dietary behavior among elderly patients with hypertension in Wenzhou, China: A qualitative descriptive study

More than half of the elderly in China have high blood pressure. Dietary management is essential for maintaining ideal blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of hypertension-related complications. However, dietary management of elderly patients with hypertension in China is insufficient, and factors affecting their dietary behaviors are unclear. To explore the factors that may affect dietary behavior among Chinese elderly patients with hypertension. This was a descriptive qualitative study. Fifteen older adults were recruited from a hospital and community in Wenzhou, China, from January 2020 to December 2020. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and content analysis was used for data analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: personal cognition and perception, availability of dietary advice, and social environment. Factors influencing dietary behavior were identified at the individual, information received, and social levels. Personal cognition is the basis for formation of dietary behavior, and applicability of dietary advice and social environment affect the continuity of dietary behavior. Diverse factors affected dietary behavior among Chinese elderly patients with hypertension. Diet management programs should assess patients’ cognition and perception, availability of dietary advice, and social environment.