PS-P12-1: SELF-CARE MANAGEMENT FOR HYPERTENSION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: A SCOPING REVIEW

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Objective: This scoping review aims to explore the current state of self-care management practices used by hypertension populations based on evidence from the existing scientific literature for SEA. Self-care practices such as lifestyle modifications in diet, exercise, and stress management, are effective in reducing the incidence of and enhancing better management of hypertension. However, little is known about the self-care management practices of people with hypertension in Southeast Asia (SEA) countries where the prevalence of hypertension is sharply increasing. Design and method: A scoping review of research and grey literature (2006–2021) was performed using Scoping Review Frameworks by Arkey and O Malley. For the research literature, ten databases were searched followed by a manual search of the reference lists of relevant topical papers. Results: Results indicate that bodyweight management, physical exercise, dietary intake, and medication adherence were largely poorly practiced by hypertensive people. Stress-relieving methods such as sleep, rest, and spiritual fulfilment was described as alternative self-care management methods. Anecdotal evidence of factors that facilitated or inhibited the implementation of self-care practices were described. Conclusion: While the overall evidence review suggests that hypertensive people in SEA do not adequately implement self-care to better manage hypertension, the anecdotal information provided by several reports indicate that there is individual variation in the facilitators and barriers to implementing self-care practices. The facilitators and barriers are relevant to personal choice [internal factors] or to the environment or context [external factors]. Enhancing self-care management of hypertension in SEA may require a multi-focused approach including targeting personal choice as well as external factors such as cultural relevance, environment and resources. Health workers working in the community in SEA countries should consider a multi-focused approach and cultural aspect in helping hypertensive patients to manage their self-care.