Abstract
Objective
To compare the self-care performed by hypertensive patients monitored in primary and secondary health care.
Methods
Cross-sectional study with 189 patients with arterial hypertension in a Basic Health Unit and in an integrated center for diabetes and hypertension in Fortaleza, from March to June, and from September to November of 2013. An interview with a guide based on Orem’s self care theory was conducted. For statistical analysis, percentage and chi square test distributions were used.
Results
Adequate fluid intake (77.6%), attending nurse consultation (88.0%), and changes in lifestyle (54.3%) had better results with patients monitored in primary care. Appropriate salt consumption (100.0%) and abstinence from alcoholic beverages (88.7%) were more common in patients monitored in secondary care.
Conclusion
Hypertensive patients from both primary and secondary care showed a self-care demand, without significant differences.
Health services evaluation; Public health nursing; Nursing; Hypertension; Self care