Self-care comparison of hypertensive patients in primary and secondary health care services/Comparação do autocuidado entre usuários com hipertensão de serviços da atenção à saúde primária e secundária

This article compares the self-care performed by hypertensive patients monitored in primary and secondary health care. Cross-sectional study with 189 patients with arterial hypertension in a Basic Health Unit and in an integrated center for diabetes and hypertension in Fortaleza, from March to June, and from September to November of 2013. An interview with a guide based on Orem's self care theory was conducted. For statistical analysis, percentage and chi square test distributions were used. Adequate fluid intake (77.6%), attending nurse consultation (88.0%), and changes in lifestyle (54.3%) had better results with patients monitored in primary care. Appropriate salt consumption (100.0%) and abstinence from alcoholic beverages (88.7%) were more common in patients monitored in secondary care. Hypertensive patients from both primary and secondary care showed a self-care demand, without significant differences.