Role of family support and self-care practices in blood pressure control in individuals with hypertension: results from a cross-sectional study in Kollam District, Kerala

Background: Despite the availability of effective drugs, blood pressure (BP) control rate is sub-optimal in individuals with hypertension in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The role of self-care in the management of BP is less studied in LMIC settings. Methods: We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study in individuals with hypertension in Kollam district, Kerala. A multistage cluster sampling method was used for the selection of study participants. We measured self-care by using an adapted Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects (H-SCALE) scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with BP control. Results: In total, 690 individuals with hypertension (women=60%) and a mean age of 57±8 years participated in the study. More than half (54%) of the participants were adherent to anti-hypertensive medications. However, the adherence rate was much lower for the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet (12.8%), recommended level of physical activity (24%) and weight management (11.4%). Overall BP control was achieved in two of five individuals (38.4%, 95% CI: 34.7-42.0%). Among self-care activities, adherence to medications (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5), DASH diet (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.4), and non-smoking status (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.7-6.4) were associated with control of BP. Additionally, good family support to self-care (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.1) was associated with better control of BP. Conclusion: In individuals with hypertension, the BP control rate is achieved in two of five individuals. Adoption of self-care activities are sub-optimal. Both family support and adherence to self-care activities are associated with BP control. Family based interventions to improve adherence to self-care activities could have a significant public health impact in achieving better population-level BP control rates in Kerala, India.