Comparison of Perceived Self-efficacy, Benefits, and Barriers of Hypertension Control between Male and Female Patients Referred to Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran.

Background: Hypertension is a health problem. The purpose of the present study was to compare perceived self-efficacy, benefits, and barriers of hypertension control between male and female patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 patients referred to Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran from August 2020 through March 2021. The convenience sampling method was used. The data collection tools consisted of a digital sphygmomanometer, a demographic form, and a researcher-made questionnaire of perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy of hypertension control, whose validity and reliability were obtained.

Results: The mean age of the male and female patients was 54.02±12.93 years and 56.48±12.10 years, respectively. The mean score of perceived barriers in women was lower than that in men, and the mean perceived self-efficacy in women was higher than that in men (P<0.001). According to the regression test, history of smoking in men and family history of hypertension and age in women were predictors of perceived benefits. Further, occupation and history of smoking in men and education level, family history of hypertension, and history of smoking in women were predictors of perceived barriers. Additionally, marital status, education level, and disease duration in men and education level, family history of hypertension, history of smoking, and age in women were predictors of perceived self-efficacy (P<0.050).

Conclusion: In men, the mean score of perceived barriers was higher and the mean score of perceived self-efficacy was lower. Additionally, the predictors of each of these perceptions were determined.