JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Hypertension is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) where this disease cannot be transmitted through any form. The development of this disease takes a relatively long time. In this case, non-communicable diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world. Hypertension is often referred to as a silent killer. Hypertension is also a major risk factor for sudden death due to heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and eye disease. Efforts to prevent hypertension sufferers can be done by carrying out primordial prevention, namely, avoiding hypertension by doing physical activity and not smoking. Primary prevention by following counseling related to hypertension, secondary prevention in the form of routine treatment for hypertension sufferers who have been diagnosed with hypertension, and carrying out tertiary prevention by carrying out behaviors to prevent complications in hypertension sufferers

Objective:

This study aims to determine how the behavior of preventing hypertension in the elderly in the working area of ​​the Cendana Putih Health Center, Mappedeceng District, North Luwu Regency

Methods:

This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a content analysis approach. Data collection through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Field observations or observations are carried out first with the aim of observing the habits carried out by informants. In-depth interviews are carried out with the aim of digging deeper information carried out by researchers to informants. And the last stage is to document the results of observations and interviews that have been conducted. Other supporting data is carried out by obtaining primary data and secondary data.

Results:

Overall, this study found that the behavior of preventing hypertension in the elderly is diverse, such as some informants doing physical activities such as gymnastics, other activities such as gardening, walking, routinely taking hypertension medication, having regular health checks, and also consuming herbal plants obtained around the informant's home environment. The role of the family in supporting or motivating the elderly to prevent hypertension is also needed, such as helping to remind the elderly to take medication or simply taking the elderly to have a check-up at the nearest health facility.

Conclusions:

Hypertension prevention behavior in the elderly can be done independently by the elderly by doing light activities such as walking and exercise at home, routinely taking hypertension medication, avoiding foods that can trigger high blood pressure, and carrying out traditional medicine by utilizing plants around the house that are already trusted to be one of the herbal plants for treating hypertension. Clinical Trial: Hypertension, Prevention, Physical Activity, Gymnastics, Examination, Hypertension Medication, Herbal Plants