Supportive methods used by the individuals with hypertension to decrease blood pressure

Abstract

AIM: The present study was conducted in order to determine supportive methods used by the individuals with hypertension to decrease blood pressure METHODS: It was a descriptive study. No sampling was performed. 95 individuals who were at the hospital during the study period were included in the study. As for the data collection tool; a questionnaire form that addressed socio-demographic data and supportive treatment methods was used. Numbers, percentages and chi-square test were used for the analysis of the data. RESULTS: It was found out that mean age of the participant individuals was 61.7±11.1, 77.9% were women and 76.8% were married. Mean duration of hypertension was 9.9±8.2 years and all of the participants had at least one chronic disease. 74.1% of the individuals with hypertension used a supportive treatment for averagely 4.3±3.4 years, 94.3% used mostly herbal treatment methods and 76.0% of those using herbal treatment methods preferred lemon. CONCLUSION: According to the data of the study; it was seen that individuals with hypertension used mainly herbal supportive methods apart from medicine treatment, diet and salt-restriction. It may be suggested that these individuals be provided counseling services by health care personnel in order not to increase side effects and complications caused by these methods used improperly.