Self-care in individuals with high blood pressure: a bibliographical study

Abstract

This is a bibliographical study of a qualitative nature, which aims to identify the way self-care by patients with with high blood pressure has been approached in Brazilian literature. The selection of the material was conducted by consulting the BIREME database. Eleven articles that fit the study were selected and analyzed during the months of September and October 2006. The articles highlighted that the problems with self-care refers mainly to lack of awareness and adherence to treatments. Family participation is extremely important in order to solve these difficulties. The studies emphasize the actions by the interdisciplinary staff in order to solve and understand the perspective of the patient with high blood pressure, and also work on the educational support for self-care by those who suffer from this ailment. The family is considered an agent of support in the care of individuals with high blood pressure. Professionals are urged to modify their behavior, mainly in regards to health advice, by rethinking it as an instrument for control of that illness.

Key words: Hypertension; Self-care; Family; Patient care.