Author's Name:	Morgan Peter Mabuto & Tsitsi Handara
Subject Area:	Health Science
Subject	Other
Section	Research Paper

blood pressure, perceptions, self-care, adult learning, descriptive survey

This study sought to examine rural-based high blood pressure patients’ levels of knowledge and perceptions of self- care practices following evidence of rising rates of mortality and morbidity due to hypertension, globally and locally. Orem’s (1991) Self-care Nursing Theory which emphasises knowledge of disease and self- care practices by practitioners and patients guided the study. A descriptive survey design was used to solicit rich data from a random sample of thirty (30) hypertensive patients. The descriptive qualitative data that were collected using semi- structured interviews were presented and analysed qualitatively through coding and theme building processes. The findings showed a mean score of seventy- four ( 74%), for the number of participants with low levels of knowledge of causative factors and self- care practices of high blood pressure. The results had implications for adult learning and policy reform by government towards health for all.