The effect of self-management program based on 5A model on coping strategies in the elderly men patients with hypertension

Poor management of hypertension is a major dilemma in the elderly, which affects the selection of appropriate coping methods. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 5A self-management program on coping strategies in elderly male patients with hypertension. This clinical trial study was performed on 60 elderly men with hypertension aged 60-75 years, referred to health centers of Ramsar City in 2017. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of experimental (n= 30) and control (n= 30). Jalowiece Coping Questionnaire (problem-focused and emotion-focused) was used to measure the coping styles of patients before and after intervention. The intervention of self-management program using 5A model consisted of group training and individual guidance. The patients had been followed-up through phone call for 12 weeks. There was no intervention in the control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 through descriptive and analytical statistics. The mean and standard deviation of age in the control and intervention groups were 67.55 ± 5.01 and 68.34 ± 5, respectively. The rate of problem-focused coping strategies before and after the intervention was more desirable in experimental group and a significant difference was found between experimental and control groups (p=0/0001). Considering the growing trend of elderly people with chronic diseases and the impact of problem-focused strategies on self-management behaviors, it is necessary to use well-planned training such as 5A self-management program in order to increase the welfare and ultimately improve the quality of life. Based on the results of this research, in the elderly men with hypertension, appropriate coping strategies can be promoted through regular educational planning and continuous follow-up.