THE RELEVANT FACTORS FOR CONTROLLING BLOOD SUGAR AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF DIABETES MELLITUS AND HYPERTENSION PATIENTSIN MAE PHAG SUB-DISTRICT, SANSAI DISTRICT, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study is qualitative research. The objective is to find the factors which are related to control blood sugar and blood pressure of diabetes mellitus and hypertension patients. The study targeted 20 diabetes mellitus and hypertension patients in Bann Rom Luang Health Promotion Hospital, Mae Phag Sub-district, Sansai district, Chiang Mai province. The data was collected by the result of laboratory tests on blood pressure and blood sugar, knowledge test form on diabetes mellitus and hypertension, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and observation. The study was done from January – December 2011. The finding are (1) ability to control blood pressure and blood sugar of the patients. Out of 20 patients, 7 patients were able to control their blood sugar and blood pressure, 13 patients were unable to control. (2) The relevant factors for controlling blood pressure and blood sugar of the patients. First is key risk factor. The patients who were unable to control their blood sugar and blood pressure performed high risk behaviors such as inappropriate consumption, lack of doing exercise, stress, overload working and no taking the medicine according to prescription. Second is socio-economic, cultural and environment factor. This factor is composed of family support and community environment. The study found less support from family in case the patients who can not control their blood sugar and blood pressure. Moreover, there are so many risks that threaten health care for the patients for instance, unsafe and inappropriate food and easy access to alcohol in their communities. Third are other support factors such as the Health Service System of the Rom Luang Health Promotion Hospital and Village Health Volunteers (VHVs). Rom Luang multidisciplinary team and VHVs were able to respond to patient’s problems and needs under the concept of family medicine and holistic health care. Keywords: Relevant factors, Blood sugar and blood pressure control