CORRELATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARD HYPERTENSION SELF-MANAGEMENT PRACTICE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Nia Damiati (Faculty of Health Sciences, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Mutiara Martin
Irma Nurbaeti (Nursing Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Indonesia)
Mardiyanti (Nursing Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Indonesia)

Indonesian Journal of Community Health Nursing
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2023): FEBRUARY 2023

Introduction: Restrictions on mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened lifestyle and made it harder for people with hypertension to manage their condition, which can lead to complications. Knowledge and attitude have a significant correlation toward hypertension self-management. This study aimed to determine the correlation between knowledge and attitudes of hypertensive patients toward hypertension self-management practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The method used was a descriptive-analytic correlation with a cross-sectional approach. The sample used was 50 hypertensive patients aged ≥ 15 years old, samples obtained through the accidental sampling technique. Data collection through the google form online questionnaire containing a modified Indonesian version of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Level of Hypertensive Patients on Lifestyle Modification questionnaire. Statistical test for bivariate using Pearson and Spearman correlation. Result: The study found that 54% respondents had good knowledge and practice, and 50% had a positive attitude toward hypertension self-management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Poor hypertension self-management practices include 56% of respondents did not exercise; 54% did not plan a diet to control blood pressure; 32% did not measure blood pressure regularly; and 46% did not take antihypertensive drugs. Bivariate analysis showed that there was a correlation between knowledge (p = 0.000; r = +0.320), and attitudes (p = 0.001; r = +0.471) toward hypertension self-management practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The study results showed that the correlation is positive, but the strength of the correlation is weak. therefore, it is necessary to educate the public regarding hypertension and self-management during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding the definition of hypertension, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications to control hypertension. Keywords: Attitude; COVID-19; Hypertension; Knowledge; Self-management