Abstract:
Hypertension is a pervasive and life-threatening global health crisis that demands urgent attention. This study explores the challenges faced by medical professionals in monitoring hypertension, their coping strategies, interventions used, and level of involvement in patient care. Utilizing a descriptive mixed-method design, the study selected ten participants through purposive sampling, gathering data through semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaires. Thematization was employed to analyze the data, yielding three major themes and three to four sub-themes each, providing deep insights into the experiences of medical professionals at Tubao Rural Health Unit. Additionally, descriptive analysis using means determined the level of involvement among medical professionals in monitoring hypertension. Challenges identified included miscommunications due to lack of health education on hypertension, patient disinterest in blood pressure monitoring, limited access to remote areas, and cultural and belief differences. Despite these obstacles, medical professionals adapted and developed effective coping strategies such as collaboration with peers, taking the initiative to monitor patients who do not visit the RHU, and embracing induced relaxation. They implemented interventions like frequent blood pressure monitoring, strategic approaches to hypertensive patients, and health education campaigns to raise awareness. The study observed a significant degree of participation among medical professionals in hypertension monitoring, with an overall mean of 4.42, highlighting their level of involvement as “Very Involved.” The research emphasizes the critical need for substantial support from government and local government units to empower medical professionals to manage hypertension effectively within rural communities and ensure better health outcomes for the population.
