The Health Practices of Men in Al Buraimi Ages 40 50 in Relation to

Hypertension
Introduction
Hypertension is a condition that affects most of the population throughout the world and is a
leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Hypertension is much more than a cardiovascular disease
because it affects other systems of body, such as kidneys, brain and eyes. It is powerful and independent
predictor of premature deaths and is asymptomatic till its damaging effects, such as stroke, myocardial
infarction, and renal dysfunction, are observed1.
The Ministry of Health of Sultanate of Oman define Hypertension is an intermittent or persistent
elevation of blood pressure (systolic pressure above 140mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm
Hg or a systolic and diastolic pressure of 20mm Hg above the normal baseline pressure.
Hyper tension is highly prevalent worldwide. In 2000, 26.4% of adult population were recorded as
hypertensive throughout the world and expected to increase by 60% by 20253.
This study was aim to determine the health practice of Men in Al Buraimi Ages 40 50 in
Relation to Hypertension, as specific area. The objective from this research is to assess the heath practices
of patients regarding hypertension among men.
The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase 126 patients visiting primary health care
centers or polyclinics in al-buraimi city were interviewed to identify patients who practice. In the second
phase a closed ended questionnaire containing 10 questions related to demographic characteristics,
practice and attitude was self administered to 50 patients enrolled from the first phase to generate the data
Hypertension is also known as "Silent Killer." Hypertension, if uncontrolled, can lead to large
number of complications with consequent death. The W.H.O has estimated that high blood pressure is
responsible for every eighth death, making hypertension the third leading killer in the world, and for
nearly 20% of all deaths world-wide2.
There is a need to aware and educate the Omani hypertensive patients about the importance of health
practices to achieve the desired therapeutic goals. Moreover, during clinical experience the investigators
have found poor lifestyle practices among hypertensive patients, so the need was felt to assess the
practices of hypertensive patients to highlight the extent of problem. Moreover, based on the findings of
the study the health professionals can plan the health education programmes to improve the rate of control
of hypertension among hypertensive patients.
Statement of the problem:

Hypertension is a chronic but preventable disease; and thus adequate knowledge of the
disease and lifestyle modification are important features in its effective control and
management.
Hypertension is a significant public health problem in many developing countries
experiencing epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable
chronic diseases.
Higher levels of blood pressure (BP) are strongly associated with increasing rates of
cardiovascular.

A close ended questionnaire was developed to assess the practice and attitude of
hypertensive patients of men in Al-buraimi governorate of Sultanate of Oman.

Rationale/ Justification:

Patients practices regarding high blood pressure plays an important role in the ability to control
hypertension.

Life practices of hypertensive patients were assessed in terms of always, most of the time,
sometimes, and never.
Patients can gain from exercise, weight loss, cessation of smoking, reduction of sodium
and alcohol intake and increased potassium and calcium intake. These modifications can
improve overall health in addition to lowering blood pressure.
recommended that a nursing personnel should be appointed in cardiology O.P.D to
motivate the patients to adopt healthy lifestyle practices for controlling blood pressure

Works Cited
1. George A M. The global burden of hypertension: good news and bad news. Cardiology clinics 2002;
20: 181-185
2. Devika S. Global burden of hypertension: analysis of worldwide data. Lancet 2005; 365: 217-23.