Introduction:
Prevalence rates of hypertension (HTN) among Black adults (males 58.3% and females 57.6%) in the United States is among the highest in the world. Black females (46%) experience a higher incidence of Stage 2 HTN than Black males (42%) contributing to a greater risk of heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. Levels of awareness, treatment, and control of HTN among Black women are decreasing. Effective strategies to combat these trends are imperative. Lifestyle changes and medication adherence are proven strategies to facilitate blood pressure (BP) control. Getting individuals with HTN to incorporate these strategies into the context of their everyday physical and social environments where they can be performed independently requires active individual engagement in healthcare behaviors and self-care activities.
Aim:
This study examined the effects of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) on self-care (maintenance, management, and confidence) and BP control in Black women with HTN at baseline and then 3-, 6-, and 9-months post CDSMP.
Methods:
The current study used data from the Interactive Technology Enhanced Coaching Intervention RCT for Black Women with HTN study. All participants completed a 6-week CDSMP at the beginning of the study. Self-care data were collected using the Self-Care of HTN Inventory along with manual BP readings at baseline, and repeated measures at 3-, 6-, and 9-months.
Results:
Of the 90 community-dwelling Black women enrolled in the study, 83 completed the CDSMP and 69 completed the study. The mean age was 53.57 (
SD
= 10.07) years and the average number of years diagnosed with HTN was 11.06 (
SD
= 8.47). All participants had BP readings greater than 130/80 mmHg at baseline and 44.92% (31 of 69) moved to less than 130/80 mmHg at 9-months. A weak negative correlation occurred at 9-months between systolic BP and self-care management,
r
(67) = -.26,
p
= .029, and confidence,
r
(67) = -.25,
p
= .035; and diastolic BP and self-care management,
r
(67) = -.31,
p
= .009, and confidence,
r
(67) = -.28,
p
= .018.
Conclusion:
The CDSMP was feasible, successfully delivered, and well-received by those enrolled in the study. Future studies should evaluate effective interventions for self-care strategies to improve long-term BP control.
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