The Effect of Orem Self-care Model with a Focus on Systematic Medicine Usage on the Hypertension of the Elderly

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most common diseases in the elderly. Systematic use of medicine due to the polypharmacy phenomenon can be effective in controlling hypertension in the elderly. Therefore, self-care in systematic use of medicine of this group is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Orem Self-care Model with a focus on systematic medicine usage, on the elderly infected by hypertension. Method: The present study is a quasi-experimental study in eldely in Tehran in 2015. The data collection was conducted using a barometer that is calibered and blood pressure was controlled by researcher. Sixty patients were selected using non-randomly and available method from elderly clinic in Taleghani hospital. After the pre-test, 4 training sessions were conducted based on the need assessment and using the Orem Model. Then, the post-tests were performed one and three months after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS 21 Software, and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Results: According to the Chi-square test, the samples of the two groups were identical in terms of demographic variables (P <0.05). After the intervention in the test group, there was a significant statistical difference in the self-care ability and control of hypertension of the elderly (P=0/000); while, the difference was not significant in the control group (P=0/53). Conclusion: The results show that the application of Orem Self-care Model with a focus on systematic medicine usage is efficient on the elderly affected by hypertension. It is suggested that Orem Self-care Model with a focus on systematic medicine usage, to be considered for other diseases.