Health motivations and perceived barriers are determinants of self-care behaviour for the prevention of hypertension in a Malaysian community

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278761
• Publication Date: 2022-12-07T18:33:33Z
• Authors: Paulina Pei Suu Tan; Ryand Singh Sandhu; Shamsul Mohd Zain; Deborah Hall; Ngiap Chuan Tan; Hooi Min Lim; Faiz Daud; Yuh-Fen Pung
• Keywords: Family medicine; Adolescent; Science; Health Status; MEDLINE; FOS: Political science; Health Professions; Social Sciences; FOS: Law; Health-Promoting Behaviors; Biochemistry; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine; Health Sciences; Humans; Psychology; Biology; Political science; Applied Psychology; 360; Theories of Behavior Change and Self-Regulation; Q; R; Health care; Management of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Factors; Health Locus of Control and Promoting Behaviors; 3. Good health; Self Care; FOS: Psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental health; General Health Professions; Hypertension; Medicine; Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine; Gerontology; Law; Research Article

Introduction Self-care behaviour is fundamental in preventing hypertension the general population. According to Health Belief Model, health beliefs and perceptions influence success adopting disease prevention strategies. While factors influencing self-care have been examined previously patient populations, they not assessed community. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted between 12 June 2020 26 July 2021. An online survey administered via email social media Malaysians Selangor Kuala Lumpur communities. Respondents were over 18 years old, without formal diagnosis of hypertension. The evaluated knowledge, Model constructs, frequency, motivators barriers behaviour. Multiple linear regression performed determine main predictors behaviour, descriptive statistics used characterise each Results Only motivations (β = 0.217, p < 0.001) perceived 0.571, significantly influenced Maintaining healthy diet, regular physical activity blood pressure checks need be improved community, particularly reducing salt calorie intake. Lack time, limited choices laziness are biggest challenges that tackled diet an active lifestyle Many ignorant towards their status, therefore, do prioritize screenings, suggesting enhance community for early Conclusion implications Motivations determinants Targeting these aspects should considered when developing interventions education programmes tailored local cultural, environmental personal factors, more effectively reduce prevalence burden.