THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIFESTYLE AND HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERLY AT THE POSYANDU IN THE SUKODONO PERMAI HOUSING HOUSE, SIDOARJO

Abstract

Hypertension represents a prominent non-communicable disease frequently diagnosed in older adults, serving as a primary contributor to severe cardiovascular complications. Multiple behavioral components are hypothesized to influence blood pressure regulation, including dietary routines, physical activity levels, resting patterns, and smoking habits. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is widely expected to assist in blood pressure management among the elderly. This research applied a correlational analytical design utilizing a cross-sectional approach. The target population comprised all elderly individuals diagnosed with hypertension at the Integrated Health Service Post (Posyandu) in Sukodono Permai Housing Complex, Sidoarjo, totaling 30 participants. A total sampling technique was employed, incorporating all population members as the final sample size (= 30). Lifestyle variables were gathered utilizing a structured questionnaire, whereas blood pressure measurements were conducted via a sphygmomanometer. Statistical evaluation was executed utilizing the Spearman Rank correlation test at a significance threshold of α = 0.05 The findings indicated that nearly half of the respondents demonstrated a good lifestyle category (14 individuals; 46.7%). Based on blood pressure classification, the majority suffered from grade 1 hypertension (19 individuals; 63.3%), followed by grade 2 hypertension (10 individuals; 33.3%), and high-normal blood pressure (1 individual; 3.3%). The Spearman Rank statistical computation yielded a correlation coefficient value of r = -0.053 alongside a significance level of p = 0.779 (p > 0.05), confirming the absence of a statistically significant correlation between lifestyle and hypertension status among the elderly. These outcomes imply that blood pressure fluctuations in older adults may be heavily mediated by alternative unmeasured determinants, such as physiological aging processes, hereditary predisposition, pharmacological adherence, and distinct environmental risk factors. Nonetheless, older individuals are continually encouraged to maintain healthy lifestyle modifications as a preventive measure against complications and to preserve overall quality of life.