EXPERIENCES OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN MANAGING LIFESTYLE CHANGES TOCONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE

Abstract

This study aims to examine in depth the experiences, psychosocial barriers, and perceptions of hypertension (the silent killer), a non-communicable disease with a high incidence rate in Indonesia, mainly influenced by unhealthy lifestyles and low patient compliance. This indicates an urgent need for practical and acceptable complementary intervention innovations, such as the use of cucumber-infused water as a natural diuretic. This study aims to explore in depth the experiences, psychosocial barriers, and perceptions of hypertension sufferers regarding lifestyle changes and the use of dietary interventions as an effort to control blood pressure. This study used a qualitative approach with a Qualitative Meta-synthesis design. Data were obtained through the extraction and synthesis of narrative findings from five selected relevant scientific articles. Data analysis was conducted through a thematic synthesis process. The results of this study using thematic synthesis produced three main themes that explain the experiences of patients: 1) Complexity of Lifestyle and Psychosocial Barriers, rooted in cultural dietary conflicts and stress; 2) Dual Perceptions of Disease Risk, where the absence of symptoms leads to low motivation for long-term compliance; and 3) Acceptance of Complementary Intervention Innovations, evidenced by positive responses to practical non-pharmacological solutions such as cucumber-infused water. The conclusion of this study is that hypertension management must be carried out holistically, with a focus on psychosocial education and the integration of practical and acceptable dietary solutions (such as cucumber-infused water) as an effective bridge to improve patient compliance in a sustainable manner.