Comparative Phenomenological Study of Hypertension Life Experiences in the Coastal Community of Lake Tempe, Indonesia

Hypertension remains a pressing public health concern in coastal communities, shaped by entrenched cultural beliefs, constrained resources, and inadequate health literacy. This study seeks to elucidate the challenges and unmet needs of the Lake Tempe coastal community in managing hypertension. A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted, with data gathered in March 2025 through in-depth interviews with 14 purposively recruited participants from the Tanasitolo (Nepo Village) and Liu (Worongnge and Pallimae Villages) Community Health Centers. Interviews, lasting 20–40 minutes, were subjected to Colaizzi's analytic method. Six overarching themes were derived: perceptions of hypertension, risk factors, disease management, social support, cultural determinants, and healthcare constraints. Participants' conceptualizations of hypertension were heterogeneous and mediated by traditional beliefs and limited health literacy, frequently attributing the condition to aging or heredity. Principal risk factors encompassed high-salt and high-fat dietary practices, while suboptimal adherence and premature discontinuation of pharmacotherapy undermined disease management. Although families and health cadres provided support, their influence was attenuated by insufficient knowledge. Cultural traditions further shaped health behaviors, while systemic resource deficits and inadequate outreach curtailed healthcare provision. These findings underscore the imperative for culturally attuned, community-driven interventions to foster sustainable hypertension management in coastal populations.