Awareness and lifestyle practices of hypertension prevention among the elderly patients at Mubende regional referral hospital, Mubende district, a cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/22rxnq19Keywords:
Hypertension, Cardiovascular disease, Arteriosclerosis, Sedentary lifestyle, Mubende regional referral hospitalAbstract
Background: Hypertension is a leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide. This study assessed the awareness and lifestyle practices of hypertension prevention among the elderly at Mubende regional referral hospital, Mubende district.
Methodology:
The study employed a cross-sectional study design with a convenience sampling technique to obtain 122 elderly patients aged 60 years and above. Data was collected from 31st October to 15th November 2025. A blood pressure machine was used to measure blood pressure for respondents. The data was then analyzed. The findings were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and scientific calculators, then presented in the form of tables, graphs, pie charts, and word statements.
Results:
The study involved more widowed, 45(36.9%) elderly people, with the most, 54(44.3%) aged 60-69 years. The majority, 49(40.2%), had attained primary as the highest education level, and 69(56.6%) resided in rural areas, while 53(43.4%) resided in urban areas. Findings revealed that 122(100%) participants had heard about hypertension, 73 (60%) considered hypertension as a very serious disease, with 67 (55%) participants obtaining information from health care professionals. Practically, 83(68%) were faced with difficulty understanding the information received about hypertension prevention, and 76(62%) monitored their blood pressure levels on a weekly basis. Respondents adopted positive lifestyle practices like reduced salt intake, fruits and vegetables consumption, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, practicing stress management, following health professionals’ advice, engagement in regular physical activity, and routine monitoring of blood pressure.
Conclusions:
Generally, comprehension of prevention strategies of hypertension remained limited due to low health literacy and reliance on hospital education during visits.
Recommendations:
Health professionals should collaborate with community health workers and implement simplified community-level health education programs. Family members and caregivers of the elderly patients with hypertension should support them by preparing healthy meals and encouraging physical activity.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Keneth Tiborugaba, Jane Frank Nalubega, Hasifa Nansereko, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu (Author)
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