Associations Between Self-Care and Hypertension Knowledge, Illness Perceptions, and Depression in Patients With Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Inadequate self-care among patients with hypertension is associated with uncontrolled blood pressure, increased rates of complications, higher morbidity and mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Identifying factors influencing self-care behaviors is essential for developing effective interventions. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between self-care and hypertension knowledge levels, illness perceptions, and depression in patients with hypertension. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 patients with hypertension attending 3 family health centers in Istanbul, Türkiye. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Self-Care of Hypertension Inventory, the Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the Short Beck Depression Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Hypertension knowledge, illness perceptions, and substance use (tobacco or alcohol) were significant predictors of all self-care behaviors ( P < .001). Greater hypertension knowledge and more positive illness perceptions were associated with improved self-care. Additionally, participants who did not smoke tobacco products or consume alcohol demonstrated higher rates of engagement in self-care behaviors. Although Short Beck Depression Inventory scores were negatively correlated with all Self-Care of Hypertension Inventory scales ( P < .001), depression did not remain a significant independent predictor in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the importance of improving hypertension knowledge, addressing illness perceptions, and implementing lifestyle-focused interventions to enhance self-care among patients with hypertension. Although depression was not an independent predictor, it was associated with poorer self-care, indicating that psychological assessment and support should be considered.