Determination of perceived self-management and support requirements in individuals with chronic illnesses (hypertension)

Purpose: This study was planned to assess validity and reliability of Turkish version of Patient Assessment of Self-Management Tasks Questionnaire – PAST in chronic illnesses and factors affecting perception and support requirements of patients monitored with hypertension diagnosis regarding their self-management. Tools and Method: The study was conducted between April 2021 – August 2021 at cardiology polyclinic of a private hospital and on patients that were monitored for the last one year. In this methodologic and descriptive study, sample group was formed with 180 patients over the age of 18 with final hypertension diagnosis and who agreed to participate in the study. During internal consistency analysis Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient was found to be 0.936 for the entire scale. It was noted that the scale had high internal consistency and was appropriate for use with Turkish society. In PAST Scale item scores, the highest score was received by "7. Having sufficient exercises" item with (2.28 ± 1.13) while the lowest score was received by "9. Quitting unhealthy habits" item with (1.48 ± 0.92). At Hypertension Self-Care Profile – Motivation Scale item scores the highest score was received by (3.57 ± 0.54) "16. Taking hypertension drugs" item and the lowest score was received by (1.84 ± 1.14) "3. Reading food labels to check sodium/salt content of food" item. A statistically meaningful relationship was found between Hypertension Self-Care Profile Motivation scores of patients and PAST scale. Result: Consultancy and training programs must be carried out towards individual tendencies and support requirements of hypertension patients. Keywords: Chronic illnesses, hypertension, self-management, validity and reliability, support requirement