Healthy Lifestyle Behavioral Needs among the Elderly with Hypertension in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the healthy lifestyle needs of hypertensive elderly and to explore the barriers and facilitators associated with healthy lifestyle behaviors.  A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used. In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional survey of 400 hypertensive elderly was conducted through the self-administered questionnaire. In the qualitative phase, a total of 10 hypertensive elders attended one of two focus groups held in community health centers. Descriptive statistics, the modified priority needs index (PNI_Modified) and content analyses were used for the data analysis. According to the finding, it was found that three priorities of healthy lifestyle behaviors were identified as: health responsibility, healthy eating, and engaging in social activity (PNI_Modified = 0.36, 035, and 0.34, respectively). Participants identified barriers that included a lack of health care concerns, a lack of motivation, their perceived poor physical and mental health and inadequate community resources. Facilitators possessing knowledge of hypertension as well as relevant family supports were also identified. The findings are thought to be useful in terms of the planning and developing of an effectively tailored program to promote HLBs.

Keywords: needs assessment, healthy lifestyle behaviors, hypertension, older adults, aging