Exploring factors associated with hypertension self-care in primary care: The role of nurse education levels and patient-related factors

Aim

To explore the association between nurse education levels and patient-related factors with hypertension self-care.

Background

Although self-care development is recognized as a healthcare provider–patient encounter, the attribution of nurse education level to hypertension self-care is not well addressed.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

Hypertensive patients from 15 primary care facilities were sampled, and self-care was assessed using the Self-Care of Hypertension Inventory version 2.0, with standardized scores ≥70 indicating adequate self-care. Data on patient-related factors were obtained from electronic health records, self-reports and laboratory tests, while nurse education levels were categorized as standard (baccalaureate-prepared) or higher (post-baccalaureate specialty).

Results

A total of 1493 participants were included in this study, with a median age of 66 years and 77.7% being female. Approximately 10% of participants had adequate self-care, and 66% received care from higher educated nurses. The study showed the relation between nurse education levels and the self-care of the patients. Adequate hypertension self-care was significantly associated with higher educated nurse providers and patient-related factors, including intermediate to higher education, non-overweight/obese and the absence of age-related comorbidities.

Conclusions

Hypertensive patients who had been provided care by higher educated nurses and their favourable sociodemographic, lower cardiometabolic risk and no concomitant disease were more likely to demonstrate adequate self-care.