The Relationship Between Characteristics of Hypertensive Patients and Length of Stay

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a chronic and degenerative disease that is a public health problem in Indonesia. Survey results show that hypertension is among the top 10 5th-order diseases. The high prevalence of hypertension also has the potential to increase hospitalization rates and impact the length of patient care. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the characteristics of hypertension patients and the length of stay. Methods: This type of research is analytical with a cross-sectional approach. The independent variables (age, gender, occupation, and hypertension status) and the dependent variable (length of stay). A sample of 269 patient cases was selected using saturated sampling techniques. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-Square and Fisher Exact statistical tests. Results: The results of the univariate analysis showed that the highest gender characteristics were in women (64%). The highest age characteristics were in the adult category, 15-64 years (61%). The highest occupational characteristics were in the working category (57%), and the highest hypertension status characteristics were hypertension as a secondary diagnosis (94%). The results of the bivariate analysis of the Chi-Square test showed that gender characteristics (p = 0.541) and occupational characteristics (p = 0.167). The results of the Fisher's exact test analysis showed that age characteristics (p = 0.184) and hypertension status characteristics (p = 0.446). Conclusion: The study concluded that age, gender, occupation, and hypertension status were not significantly associated with length of stay. It is recommended that medical personnel provide appropriate therapy and education regarding diet, lifestyle, and medication adherence to prevent complications that can prolong the length of stay.