A Descriptive-Correlational Study of Health Literacy among Urban Poor Settlers with Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is a global killer. Although it affects older people, some studies have implied that hypertension affects even youth and children (Joubert et al., 2021; Jones et al., 2020; Kandala et al., 2021). Non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors contribute to hypertension. Most of the time, those in the low-income class are more at risk of getting the disease due to an unhealthy lifestyle and socio-ecological exposure. In addition, studies suggest that health literacy is associated with hypertension. The research will discover the association between health literacy and other factors influencing poor urban settlers with hypertension. A descriptive-correlational study design was employed. The research setting was an urban poor community with the possibility of a high prevalence of hypertension. Purposive sampling, typical case sampling, and maximum variation sampling were employed. A survey questionnaire was utilized to capture the prevalence of hypertension, socio-demographic, and health literacy data. The data were analyzed according to the research objectives, utilizing frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, and measures of association. The UPOU-FMDS and UPOU-IREC approved the research after the thesis panel had reviewed it. A total of 151 participants were included in the study. Most were female, and the median age was 62 years old. More significant risks were seen among individuals 60 and older with low educational status and employed individuals with HPN and low health literacy. The risk of hypertension is lower for individuals with high health literacy. Health literacy research is becoming more popular in the public health and social science communities. The study proves that health literacy and hypertension are correlated. Low health literacy is a risk factor, and those with high health literacy can manage their health; thus, they have a low risk of hypertension. Preventing hypertension in urban poor settings needs an integrated approach model in the continuum of health promotion, prevention, and primary care.