Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 14(1), pp. 134 - 148
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140114
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Comparative Phenomenological Study of Hypertension Life Experiences in the Coastal Community of Lake Tempe, Indonesia

Ruslang ^1,2, Ridwan Amiruddin ^3,*, Yahya ⁴, Ariyanti Saleh ⁵, Muhammad Syafar ⁶, Nurmala Sari ^7
1 Doctoral Program of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
² Department of Health Administration, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Puangrimaggalatung, Indonesia
³ Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
⁵ Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Nursing, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
⁶ Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
⁷ Department of Hospital Administration, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

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.

KEYWORDS
Coastal Community, Colaizzi's Approach, Hypertension, Lake Tempe, Life Experience

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Ruslang , Ridwan Amiruddin , Yahya , Ariyanti Saleh , Muhammad Syafar , Nurmala Sari , "Comparative Phenomenological Study of Hypertension Life Experiences in the Coastal Community of Lake Tempe, Indonesia," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 134 - 148, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140114.

(b). APA Format:
Ruslang , Ridwan Amiruddin , Yahya , Ariyanti Saleh , Muhammad Syafar , Nurmala Sari (2026). Comparative Phenomenological Study of Hypertension Life Experiences in the Coastal Community of Lake Tempe, Indonesia. Universal Journal of Public Health, 14(1), 134 - 148. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140114.