Self‐care agency and factors related to this agency among patients with hypertension

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study is to assess the self‐care agency and factors regarding this agency among patients with hypertensions. Design.  This study, descriptive, analytical and cross‐sectional in nature, was conducted to evaluate the self‐care agency of 120 hypertensive patients at the Cardiology and Internal Diseases Polyclinic of University of Ege, Faculty of Medicine; ızmir Atatürk State Hospital; University of Selçuk, Faculty of Medicine; and Karaman State Hospital between July and August 2003. Methods.  The data were collected by using the self‐care agency scale and a questionnaire designed to determine the socio demographic features, and evaluated by means of percentage calculation and chi‐square tests. Results.  The mean self‐care agency rate of the patients in general was moderate. It was determined that educational situation and social insurance affected self‐care. Conclusion.  Self‐care agency and health are related to economic, social and educational factors. Relevance to clinical practice.  Data obtained could be used for policy formulation, health planning, outcome evaluation of instruments, better health education strategies and, ultimately, to demonstrate the worth of nursing in the marketplace.