School of Nursing Poster Presentations
Behavioral Modifications in Hypertension Patients Living in Rural Communities
Poster Number
314
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
3-2016
Abstract
Background: 70 million American adults are living with high blood pressure, yet only 52% have adequate control. Lifestyle modifications are effective in preventing and managing high blood pressure, but whether people with high blood pressure who live in rural areas change their lifestyles are not well understood.
Objectives: The goal for this study was to determine the current amount of exercise routinely performed by people with hypertension in rural communities. Barriers to exercise were also examined in addition to determining if there is a correlation between lack of resources in a rural setting and amount of exercise being performed. Dietary recommendations were evaluated to determine the correlation between meeting dietary recommendations and exercise.
Methods: A descriptive design was used to recruit a convenient sample of 142 participants with a diagnosis of hypertension who live in rural areas. Participants completed a paper-pencil survey that assessed their current amount of exercise routinely performed and analyzed their dietary intake. Factors associated with exercise and dietary intake were also analyzed.
Results:
Conclusions: Very few studies have examined behavioral modifications in the rural setting. This research will provide valuable information for further research regarding behavioral modifications in those living in rural settings with chronic diseases such as hypertension. It is imperative to first understand behaviors and associated factors before designing effective interventions to improve patients’ blood pressure control in rural settings.
Creative Commons License
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Open Access
1
Behavioral Modifications in Hypertension Patients Living in Rural Communities
Background: 70 million American adults are living with high blood pressure, yet only 52% have adequate control. Lifestyle modifications are effective in preventing and managing high blood pressure, but whether people with high blood pressure who live in rural areas change their lifestyles are not well understood.
Objectives: The goal for this study was to determine the current amount of exercise routinely performed by people with hypertension in rural communities. Barriers to exercise were also examined in addition to determining if there is a correlation between lack of resources in a rural setting and amount of exercise being performed. Dietary recommendations were evaluated to determine the correlation between meeting dietary recommendations and exercise.
Methods: A descriptive design was used to recruit a convenient sample of 142 participants with a diagnosis of hypertension who live in rural areas. Participants completed a paper-pencil survey that assessed their current amount of exercise routinely performed and analyzed their dietary intake. Factors associated with exercise and dietary intake were also analyzed.
Results:
Conclusions: Very few studies have examined behavioral modifications in the rural setting. This research will provide valuable information for further research regarding behavioral modifications in those living in rural settings with chronic diseases such as hypertension. It is imperative to first understand behaviors and associated factors before designing effective interventions to improve patients’ blood pressure control in rural settings.
Comments
Presented at: GW Research Days 2016