Elderly African Americans have among the highest prevalence of hypertension. The onset of hypertension begins earlier in life, and as African Americans grow older the prevalence increases to 1 in 2 or greater. Little is known about the role of the individuals' beliefs, culture, and values on hypertension control. Subjects were African-American, elderly (age 60 or greater) (N=26) living in an urban, low-income, high-rise apartment building. Student nurses working at this site offer weekly blood pressure checks to the elderly residents. Students interviewed subjects, as part of a health needs assessment regarding their personal belief systems about hypertension. Of the 26 residents, half (n=13) had blood pressures that met the JNC VI guidelines for hypertension (>140/90). Ongoing weekly blood pressure readings supported the presence of uncontrolled hypertension in this population. Qualitative themes were explored from following questions: (1) perceptions of how the individual cares for high blood pressure on a daily basis, (2) self-identification of their cultural influence on caring for high blood pressure, (3) the individual's belief on how serious and severe their hypertension is and how it relates to future health problems, (4) the impact of a trusting relationship between client and health care provider, and (5) the influence of religious beliefs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the sessin, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Identify the different belief systems that persons verbalize in regard to control of hypertension. 2. Recognize the significance of an individual's belief system on their motivation to control/cope with hypertension. 3. Discuss strategies for health care workers who interact with hypertensive individuals.
Keywords: Hypertension, Health Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.