Self-Management of Hypertensive Patients in Accordance with Their Knowledge

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate hypertensive patients’ knowledge about hypertension, evaluate self-management behaviors; and then investigate the relationship between knowledge and self-management.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Al Diwaniyah City, located in Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq from 16th October 2025 to 1st March 2026.

Methods: 165 hypertensive patients were enrolled.

Results: Most patients had a high level of knowledge of hypertension, as 81.8% of patients had good knowledge. Smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary control, exercise and follow-up visits were especially relevant to the patient, but complication concerns and abnormal blood pressure values were still present. Self-management was relatively fair in general and 77.0% exhibited moderate self-care practices. Knowledge resulted in a highly significant relationship with self-management.

Conclusion: Better knowledge was associated with better self-management. Enhancing patient education, counseling and behavioral support could enhance daily self-care and blood pressure control.