Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of Adults with Hypertension Regarding Therapeutic Lifestyle Management and Their Association with Self-Efficacy for Dietary and Exercise Adherence: A Health Management Perspective in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Hypertension requires sustained lifestyle modification in addition to appropriate medical management. Understanding behavioral and psychological factors associated with adherence can assist healthcare managers in developing more effective patient-centered interventions.

Objective: This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of adults with hypertension regarding therapeutic lifestyle management and assessed their association with self-efficacy for dietary and exercise adherence in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 adults with hypertension. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, lifestyle-management practices, dietary and exercise self-efficacy, and adherence. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships among the study variables.

Results: Lifestyle-management practices were significantly associated with dietary and exercise adherence. The dietary adherence regression model explained 37.4% of the variance, with attitudes and lifestyle practices emerging as significant predictors. The exercise adherence model explained 40.0% of the variance, with lifestyle practices and exercise self-efficacy identified as significant predictors. Exercise self-efficacy demonstrated a stronger behavioral relationship with exercise adherence than dietary self-efficacy did with dietary adherence.

Conclusion: Effective hypertension management should incorporate behavioral and self-efficacy-focused strategies alongside patient education. Healthcare managers should prioritize interventions that strengthen practical lifestyle skills, confidence, and sustained patient engagement.