Hypertension being a chronic disease, requires the involvement of the patient in its management (self-care). Several profiles are known, however, the responsible type is the ideal one, to be promoted among people living with hypertension. The objective of this research is to describe this profile by identifying the factors that influence it.
Data collection took place from December 2019 to March 2020 in the health regions of Togo. It enrolled 603 participants. Self-care, personality, knowledge and social support scales were used. A classification analysis made it possible to define three profiles, including the responsible type.
This responsible profile includes 46.43% of the participants. It is composed of people with a mean self-care score of 69.94 (high level), a mean knowledge score of 12.2 (medium level), a mean social support score of 35.02 (medium level) and a personality trait marked by high Conscientiousness. Participants in this profile engage in health behaviour through ownership of approaches to managing hypertension. This profile is influenced by high education, personality, and a desire for self-discipline.
Caregivers were asked to set this profile as a goal to be achieved in caring for people living with hypertension. The personality trait Conscientiousness coupled with the average level of knowledge push these people to excellence. They are expert patients and are able to help their peers and have a good relationship with the nursing staff.
Keywords: Self-care, Responsible profile, High blood pressure
