The knowledge and beliefs of hypertensive patients attending Katleho District Hospital in Free State province, South Africa, about their illness

Abstract

Hypertension is a common chronic condition. A sound understanding of people's beliefs is required in this regard. Usually, poor compliance and decisions by patients to stop taking conventional treatment and to use complementary remedies and traditional remedies arise from poor knowledge of hypertension. The complications of hypertension in non-adherent patients are a concern at Katleho District Hospital. This study sought to explore the knowledge of and beliefs held by patients attending Katleho District Hospital in Virginia on hypertension. Method: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted on hypertensive patients attending the outpatient department of Katleho District Hospital. Ten key informants were purposively selected. The exploratory question asked of participants was: "Could you please explain to me your beliefs on, and what you understand about, high blood pressure?" Themes were identified manually and ideas grouped using the cut and paste method. Results: Five themes were identified, namely correct knowledge about hypertension, incorrect knowledge of hypertension, lack of knowledge regarding hypertension, beliefs about it and misconceptions about it. There were 19 subthemes. Participants demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension, its causes, symptoms and management. However, beliefs and misconceptions influenced their interpretation and response to hypertension. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding patients' knowledge and beliefs in order to forge relationships that promote optimal care and compliance with treatment.

Adherence to Antihypertensive Treatment and Associated Factors in Central Ethiopia

“…According to the Health Belief Model (HBM) people's perception of risk predicts their behaviors, low-risk perception leads to undesired behaviors [ 52 ]. Hypertensive patients with low-risk perception may have a risky lifestyle and poor adherence to prescribed medications, which significantly compromise the control of the condition [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Knowledge of hypertension and its management among hypertensive patients on chronic medicines at primary health care public sector facilities in South Africa; findings and implications

“…Whilst few patients indicated the need for information on hypertensive medicines (Figure 1), a number of them were not sure what kind of information they received. This again is an indication that hypertensive patients should receive educational information regularly [39][40][41]. In view of this, there is a need to improve on the mode of delivering hypertension information at PHC clinics in SA especially with issues such as access being resolved with the NHI system and CCMDD programmes, which has been a concern in some countries and centres [42].…”

Effectiveness of a community‐based health programme on the blood pressure control, adherence and knowledge of adults with hypertension: A PRECEDE‐PROCEED model approach

“…Studies have argued that knowledge of hypertension motivates patients to participate in lifestyle modifications. Additionally, it was identified that improving patients’ knowledge on lifestyle modification and pharmaceutical management have clinical value in improving adherence with anti‐hypertensive therapy (Gwadry‐Sridhar et al, ; Mpinda, Tumbo, Govender, & Mills, ). To add to this, noncompliance and poor knowledge about hypertension and its management are further aggravated by a patient's perceived risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).…”